attainment

noun

at·​tain·​ment ə-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce attainment (audio)
1
: the act of attaining something : the condition of being attained
She values educational attainment above all else.
2
: something attained : accomplishment
His scientific attainments are well known.

Examples of attainment in a Sentence

She values educational attainment above all else. Her scientific attainments have made her quite well-known in the field of biology.
Recent Examples on the Web In an effort to meet its shifting workforce needs across all sectors, Michigan was a part of the movement to increase higher education attainment by setting a clear goal of equipping 60% of Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030. Matt Gandal, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 For Latinos who were able to complete the program, the degree can be life-changing in terms of educational attainment and financial stability, according to the new UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute study. Emi Tuyetnhi Tran, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2024 The positive trend, which persisted across different regions, incomes, ages, and education attainment, is likely due to the same culprit that drove sentiment into a ditch: inflation. Jill Schlesinger, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2024 That is because Latinos, on average, have lower annual incomes due to lower educational attainment, Jurado said. Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 19 Jan. 2024 The goal is to demonstrate that giving the poor direct cash aid can improve their economic stability, their children’s educational attainment, and even their mental health. Leslie Ford, WSJ, 1 Dec. 2023 The truth is, attainment for attainment’s sake dampens our rewards system, and leaves us feeling listless. Forbes Partner Releases, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 For many lower-income households and communities of color, the lack of internet or a computer is increasing gaps in educational attainment and financial security, according to a May 2020 report from the Abell Foundation. Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2024 Lower educational attainment is another lever contributing to the job composition of the Hispanic workforce and, in turn, their income gap. Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attainment.' 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

see attain

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of attainment was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near attainment

Cite this Entry

“Attainment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attainment. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

attainment

noun
at·​tain·​ment ə-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce attainment (audio)
1
: the act of attaining : the state of being attained
2
: something attained : accomplishment

More from Merriam-Webster on attainment

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