attain

at·tain

verb \ə-ˈtān\

Definition of ATTAIN

transitive verb

1

: to reach as an end : gain, achieve <attain a goal>

2

: to come into possession of : obtain <he attained preferment over his fellows>

3

: to come to as the end of a progression or course of movement <they attained the top of the hill> <attain a ripe old age>

intransitive verb

: to come or arrive by motion, growth, or effort —usually used with to

— at·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— at·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of ATTAIN

1. a quest to attain enlightenment
2. She refused to let the injury keep her from attaining her goal of being in the Olympics.
3. This kind of tree can attain a height of 20 feet within just a few years.
4. The car can attain a top speed of 200 mph.

Origin of ATTAIN

Middle English atteynen, from Anglo-French ateign-, stem of ateindre to reach, accomplish, convict, from Vulgar Latin *attangere, alteration of Latin attingere, from ad- + tangere to touch — more at tangent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ATTAIN

Synonyms

achieve, bag, chalk up, clock (up) [chiefly British], gain, hit, log, make, notch (up), rack up, ring up, score, win

Antonyms

forfeit, lose

Related Words

acquire, capture, carry, draw, garner, get, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure; amount (to), approach, equal, match, measure up (to), meet, rival, tie, touch; beat, excel, outdo, surpass, top

Near Antonyms

fall short (of), miss; fail (at); lose