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

Brown’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but certain achievements have stood out. —Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

His achievements earned him 28 Grammy Awards, 80 nominations, and a Grammy Legend Award. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

An ear for unique collaborations, ace musicianship, bold studio techniques and groundbreaking integration of Latin and African sounds into pop, are just a few of his achievements. —A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

In 1977, his work on Roots won him the Emmy for outstanding achievement in music composition for a series (dramatic underscore). —Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024

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