acquisition
3 antonyms and opposites of acquisition, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The act of getting or gaining something, especially when a company buys another business.
Antonyms
How to use acquisition
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin acquisitio, from acquiro, "to acquire."
Full origin of acquisition →Frequently asked questions
What does “acquisition” mean?
The word “acquisition” means the act of getting or gaining something, especially when a company buys another business. In plain terms, the process of gaining something (often a business), or the thing gained.
How do you pronounce “acquisition”?
“Acquisition” is pronounced ak-wih-ZIHSH-uhn (/ˌæk.wɪˈzɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “acquisition” in a sentence?
Here is “acquisition” used in a sentence: “The tech giant announced the acquisition of a small startup.”
What is another word for “acquisition”?
Words with a similar meaning to “acquisition” include acquist, attainment, gain, gaining and increase.
What is the opposite of “acquisition”?
The opposite of “acquisition” — its antonyms — are abandonment, deperdition and loss.
What part of speech is “acquisition”?
“Acquisition” is a noun.
Where does the word “acquisition” come from?
The word “acquisition” comes from Latin. From Latin acquisitio, from acquiro, "to acquire.".
Is “acquisition” a common word?
“Acquisition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an "acquisition" and a "merger"?
In business, an acquisition is when one company buys another and takes control of it, while a merger combines two companies into a single new entity, usually as more equal partners. An acquisition has a clear buyer and target, whereas a merger blends the two together.
What is the difference between "acquisition" and "purchase"?
A purchase simply means buying something for money, while "acquisition" is broader and more formal, covering the gaining of something by any means and often implying a significant or strategic gain. Business and legal writing usually prefer "acquisition."
What is the difference between a "hostile" and a "friendly" acquisition?
A friendly acquisition happens with the agreement of the target company's board, while a hostile acquisition (or takeover) proceeds against their wishes, usually by appealing directly to shareholders. Both involve one company gaining control of another.