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

This esteemed award honors the Monegasque chef’s culinary achievements over an illustrious career. —Spencer Whaley, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

The 18th annual Women in Film Oscars party celebrated the achievements of the 65 women nominated at the 97th annual awards. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 Mar. 2025

Recognizing their achievements provides insights into resilience, progress and leadership, inspiring future generations to build stronger, more inclusive communities. —Elsa Sevilla, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

Julia Roberts received an honorary César from the French academy for lifetime achievement. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 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