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

• accomplishment
• acquirement
• attainment
• baby
• coup
• success
• triumph

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

Chelsea’s latest title has been a collective achievement, largely about being harmonious and disciplined, whereas their previous ones tended to have an obvious star: Bethany England, or Fran Kirby, or Sam Kerr, or Guro Reiten. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 12 May 2025

Acting legend Robert De Niro will also receive an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 12 May 2025

Realizing that Wooden’s teachings about collaboration and teamwork had fueled his achievements, Hill called his old coach — with a considerable sense of dread — to share this revelation. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025

Earning an annual income of $1 million or more is a remarkable achievement. —Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 9 May 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