Obtain-Attain | Commonly Confused Words

Obtain

/əbˈteɪn/

To get or gain something

This particularly obtains in all Parliamentary affairs.They had obtained a clue.Butler would obtain no sign from him.

/əˈteɪn/

To achieve or reach a goal after effort

He was too simple to wonder when he had attained humility.It does not always attain to light.What you're committed to doing to attain it.

Obtain focuses on the act of getting something, often through effort.
Attain implies reaching a goal or completing an objective, usually indicating a level of achievement.
Obtaining usually refers to concrete objects or data, whereas attaining can relate to statuses or levels.
If you want to highlight success or achievement, use attain.
For getting physical items or collecting information, prefer obtain.