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achievement

noun
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achieve·​ment | \ ə-ˈchēv-mənt How to pronounce achievement (audio) \

Definition of achievement

1 : the act of achieving something the achievement of an ambition
2a : 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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about achievement

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Synonyms & Antonyms for achievement

Synonyms

Antonyms

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Lowe as Alabama’s best high school softball player. — Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, "Auburn signee Shelby Lowe named Alabama Gatorade Softball Player of the Year," 28 May 2020 Moving too quickly could not only pose health risks, but also undermine Greece’s new sense of achievement. — Filippos Letsas, Fortune, "How Greece can reopen without ruining its coronavirus containment success," 27 May 2020 Rabbi Goldman’s record of achievement is indeed impressive. — Dave Clark, Cincinnati.com, "Dr. Meryl Goldman, former Rockdale Temple Director of Lifelong Learning, dies," 23 May 2020 The award recognizes outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. — Jason Frakes, The Courier-Journal, "Trinity's Daylen Lile named Gatorade Kentucky Baseball Player of the Year," 21 May 2020 Yet can a 45-minute exam taken at home really be a valid measure of achievement? — Jill Tucker, SFChronicle.com, "Students to take Advanced Placement tests online at home, with mixed feelings," 10 May 2020 Jenny is proactive and keeps track of the kids academic achievement and helps with their challenges instead of punishing them by not attending sporting commitments. — Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "Mother's Day: Here's what loved ones want you to know about some amazing sports moms," 9 May 2020 Jordan becomes both the exemplar and symbol of American achievement. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, "The End of History and ‘The Last Dance’," 2 May 2020 Political scientists attribute a large part of that achievement to Ardern’s communication style, which is decisive, clear, and profoundly human. — Lila Maclellan, Quartz, "“Travel bubbles” are how the world will get moving again," 25 Apr. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'achievement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of achievement

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for achievement

borrowed from Anglo-French achevement, from achever "to achieve" + -ment -ment

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Time Traveler for achievement

Time Traveler

The first known use of achievement was in the 15th century

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Statistics for achievement

Last Updated

3 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Achievement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achievement. Accessed 4 Jun. 2020.

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More Definitions for achievement

achievement

noun
How to pronounce achievement (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of achievement

: something that has been done or achieved through effort : a result of hard work
: the act of achieving something : the state or condition of having achieved or accomplished something

See the full definition for achievement in the English Language Learners Dictionary

achievement

noun
achieve·​ment | \ ə-ˈchēv-mənt How to pronounce achievement (audio) \

Kids Definition of achievement

1 : the state of having gotten through great effort achievement of a goal
2 : something gotten especially by great effort a scientific achievement

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More from Merriam-Webster on achievement

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for achievement

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with achievement

Spanish Central: Translation of achievement

Nglish: Translation of achievement for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of achievement for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about achievement

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