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

• success
• accomplishment

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

Among its notable achievements is its ranking of 176 in 2022 on the Inc. 5000's list of the fastest-growing 500 companies, as well as its ranking as number two in the Legal Division on the same list. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

An outstanding achievement for the good folks at Heritage Auctions. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

While other entries and spin-offs have followed, that initial run is largely regarded among video game players as one of the most iconic and atmospheric achievements among survival horror titles. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025

But even without that achievement, Ne Zha II already won. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 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