achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt How to pronounce achievement (audio)
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
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 This year Annecy will honor Terry Gilliam with an Honorary Cristal award for his achievement in animation. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2024 Suleiman was the recipient of the European Film Academy’s achievement in world cinema award in 2022. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 Apr. 2024 The order was founded by King George V in 1917 to recognize outstanding achievements and major contributions over a long period of time to the arts, sciences, medicine, and public service. Mallory Moench, TIME, 24 Apr. 2024 The Order of the Companions of Honour was founded by King George V in 1917 to recognize outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and public service. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024 After decades of creating subversive art and music, Yoko Ono will receive a lifetime achievement award. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2024 High school principals, teachers, guidance counselors and district officials are invited to nominate students each week based on outstanding achievement or community service. The Courier-Journal, 22 Apr. 2024 The Times’ Book Prizes recognize outstanding literary achievements and celebrate the highest quality of writing from authors at all stages of their careers. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024 Envision your goal, strive to reach your destination and enjoy the satisfaction of your achievements. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'achievement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of achievement was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near achievement

Cite this Entry

“Achievement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achievement. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

achievement

noun
achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt How to pronounce achievement (audio)
1
: the act of achieving
2
: something achieved

More from Merriam-Webster on achievement

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