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

In the comments, many people assured the woman that her parents are indeed proud of her achievement, despite their seemingly blasé reaction to the news. —Erin Clack, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Broadening your view of what constitutes professional achievement creates more pathways to fulfillment. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual gala typically celebrates the performing arts organization’s achievements, but this year’s event also will honor someone else’s accomplishments. —Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025

The milestone represents an extraordinary achievement for the platform, which emerged from the $8.5 billion merger of India’s Reliance Industries and Disney‘s Indian media assets. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Apr. 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