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 of achievement

• success
• accomplishment

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

During her tenure, Granger helped drive several defense achievements, including the commissioning of the USS Fort Worth in 2012. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026

Ultimately, though, the film celebrates the man and his achievements. — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

For a vehicle that entered my driveway with relatively low expectations, that may be its most impressive achievement. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Hers is a spectacular rise — a list of remarkable achievements for someone who only started road cycling in the last few years, having previously competed nationally in duathlon (triathlon without the swimming). — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

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