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

At the top of the corporate ladder, the view is expansive—executives boast seven-figure salaries, high-stakes decision-making power, and recognition for their achievements. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 May 2025

As with most competitions, schools are evaluated based on both achievement (measured by students' financial wellbeing scores in the game) and engagement (participation rates). —Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Significance of the 100-Days Speech: What To Know Trump's appearance in Michigan marks the 100th day of his second White House term, a milestone traditionally used by presidents to highlight early achievements and set the tone for the remainder of their administration. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

Reaching the semi-finals this year is not their only achievement. —Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 29 Apr. 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