English

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Etymology

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From non- +‎ acquisition.

Noun

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nonacquisition (uncountable)

  1. Absence of acquisition.
    • 1870 December 5, Ulysses S. Grant, “Second Annual Message”, in James D. Richardson, editor, A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 1789–1897, volume 7, Washington, DC, published 1898, page 101:
      So convinced am I of the advantages to flow from the acquisition of San Domingo, and of the great disadvantages—I might almost say calamities—to flow from nonacquisition, that I believe the subject has only to be investigated to be approved.
    • 1945, Edward H. Hempel, Top-Management Planning: Methods Needed for Postwar Orientation of Industrial Companies, New York: Harper & Brothers, page 232:
      Acquisition or use of a patent may mean great advantage to a company, but also great loss. Nonacquisition of a patent may benefit a more farsighted competitor, and thus may mean a serious mistake on the part of those who did not consider the patent worthy of serious consideration.
    • 1965 July 12, William C. Foster, “Roadblock to Arms Control and Disarmament Negotiations”, in The Department of State Bulletin, volume 53, number 1359, Washington, DC: Office of Media Services, Bureau of Public Affairs, page 80:
      The United States considers it a matter of great urgency that a nondissemination/nonacquisition agreement be attained to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
      (Address made before the Commonwealth Club of California, June 4, 1965.
    • 1969 December 9, William P. Rogers, A Lasting Peace in the Middle East: An American View, page 5:
      The Security Council resolution endorses the principle of the nonacquisition of territory by war and calls for withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the 1967 war.
      (An address before the 1969 Galaxy Conference on Adult Education at Washington, DC, on December 9.)

Anagrams

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