acquisition

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.

“Acquisition” is pronounced ak-wih-ZIHSH-uhn (/ˌæk.wɪˈzɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).

Here is “acquisition” used in a sentence: “The tech giant announced the acquisition of a small startup.”

Words with a similar meaning to “acquisition” include acquist, attainment, gain, gaining and increase.

The opposite of “acquisition” — its antonyms — are abandonment, deperdition and loss.

“Acquisition” is a noun.

The word “acquisition” comes from Latin. From Latin acquisitio, from acquiro, "to acquire.".

“Acquisition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

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.

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."

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.