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

The major achievement of Ozon’s film is to adapt literature without literalizing (there are just two snatches of narration that are directly lifted from source), and to honor the novel’s mystery without trying to solve it. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025

Thousands of residents, students and officials lined the streets and the airport to celebrate his historic achievement upon returning to Lucknow, according to local reports. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2025

However, now his achievement is mired in controversy, on top of their seemingly strained relationship due to the YSL RICO case and the belief that the Atlanta rapper snitched on his mentor. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Administrators said having a strategy to lead them to improved achievement and holding staff to that plan worked. —Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 2 Sep. 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