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

The Great American State Fair takes its cues from the World's Fairs of old, which showcased the achievements of nations across the globe and were popular throughout the early- to mid-20th century. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 25 June 2026

The board also unanimously approved the district’s local control and accountability plan, a roadmap for the district’s tools and services used to support the achievement of the district’s 64,000 students. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

In 2028, the first Oscar for achievement in stunt design will be given. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

This recognition contradicted almost two centuries of Colonial practice, making it among the most radical achievements of the founding era. — Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 24 June 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