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

By trading for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson, the Cowboys have made the decision to go for the playoffs, despite the odds that say such an achievement will require near perfection for the rest of the season. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025

Dubai Airshow is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements, reaffirm our commitment to national visions, and look ahead to the next era of aerospace growth. —MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025

The award is designed to sit alongside the ARIA Hall of Fame and is decided at the discretion of the ARIA board, spotlighting artists whose international achievements and cultural influence extend far beyond home soil. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025

The Critics Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Nov. 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