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 With the crowning achievement of performing for a president. Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 The achievements have laid the groundwork for Crowley's campaign for re-election as county executive next month. Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 Lacrosse Riley Padian of Palos Verdes continues to pile up achievements. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 Bella’s musical achievements extend beyond our school walls. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 Hosted by the legendary Queen Latifah, the 55th NAACP Image Awards highlighted the achievements of entertainers and writers of color this past year. Okla Jones, Essence, 17 Mar. 2024 His brother, Tyler, commemorated his brother’s academic achievements in an Instagram post seemingly from Ryan’s graduation day. Mckinley Franklin, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 McNeal’s achievement is to dramatize how Elizabeth’s great escape from a severely limited life came to pass. Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Mar. 2024 Netflix also streamed this year’s SAG Awards on Feb. 24, where Barbra Streisand received the lifetime achievement award. Paul Grein, Billboard, 14 Mar. 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 Mar. 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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