achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt 

1

: the act of achieving something

the achievement of an ambition

2

a

: a result gained by effort : accomplishment

being honored for her academic achievements

a major scientific achievement

b

: a great or heroic deed

3

: the quality and quantity of a student's work

standardized tests to measure achievement

Synonyms

• accomplishment
• acquirement
• attainment
• baby
• coup
• success
• triumph

Choose the Right Synonym for achievement

feat, exploit, achievement mean a remarkable deed.

feat implies strength or dexterity or daring.

an acrobatic feat

exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act.

his exploits as a spy

achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition.

her achievements as a chemist

Examples of achievement in a Sentence

The discovery of DNA was a major scientific achievement.

It was a great achievement.

Getting the project done on time was a real achievement.

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump also wants to take credit for a bigger peace deal between Israel, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states that would amount to a major diplomatic achievement. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025

Black History Month is almost here, and North Carolina has a wealth of history that highlights the achievements of the African community. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025

This production’s key achievement — and more than enough reason to go see it — are the three performances. —Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 3 Feb. 2025

At the awards last year, Beyoncé’s husband, the rapper Jay-Z, delivered a speech criticizing the show for its snubs of his wife and others while accepting a lifetime achievement award. —Joe Coscarelli, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French achevement, from achever "to achieve" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing achievement

• sense of achievement

Kids Definition

achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt 

1

: the act of achieving

2

: something achieved