obtain
verb (used with object)
to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through an effort or by a request.
have been obtaining
-
present perfect progressiveof obtain.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Biologists who have been obtaining DNA sequences online from companies will soon have a more convenient option: benchtop machines that can print all the DNA they need.
From Science Magazine ● May 11, 2023
In the U.S., many have been obtaining booster shots illicitly, in many cases lying about their vaccine status to pharmacists or traveling to neighboring states where their vaccine information is not on state records.
From Salon ● Sep. 17, 2021
Some of the wounded have been obtaining medical treatment on their own dime, desperately trying to restore themselves to health and to find their way back to any degree of normalcy.
From Time ● Apr. 19, 2016
As the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have wound down, police departments have been obtaining military equipment, vehicles and uniforms that have flowed directly from the Department of Defense.
From Time ● Jun. 24, 2014
From time immemorial the people have been obtaining their water for drinking purposes from flowing streams, open springs or shallow surface wells.
From The Philippines: Past and Present (Volume 1 of 2) by Dean C. Worcester
