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

Following these achievements, Alvaro candidly spoke to me about his mindset going into the Great World Race. —Paras J. Haji, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Weldon served in Congress for 14 years, with his most notable achievement being the Weldon Amendment, which prevents discrimination against hospitals or insurance plans that refuse to provide or pay for abortions. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

Sharing information about the work and achievements of service dogs. —Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

This initial spark of motivation, ignited by recognition, sets the stage for a larger narrative of continuous improvement and achievement. —Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 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

Rhymes for achievement

• bereavement
• underachievement

Kids Definition

achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt 

1

: the act of achieving

2

: something achieved