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 of achievement

• 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

Doncic has been on a scoring tear for the Lakers, his play at such a high level that even coach JJ Redick has marveled at the guard’s achievements. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Though the success of the doc represents an achievement for the form — as well as for Fielder, Oppenheim, and studio A24 — the overall picture at the box office this weekend is more mixed. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 2026

The recipients receiving the lifetime achievement award are considered among the most influential in the world among the disciplines of music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures and television. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2026

The big question raised by this retrospective is what use artists will make of Brancusi’s achievement. — Michael Brenson, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026

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