achievement

noun achieve·ment \ ə-ˈchēv-mənt \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: achievement in a Sentence

Definition of achievement

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

See achievement defined for English-language learners

See achievement defined for kids

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 of achievement from the Web

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

— staff reports, Houston Chronicle, "Business Briefs for the Week of July 13-20," 13 July 2018
Their viciousness kicked off a series of events that tarnished Hawkins’ momentous achievement and led even today to criticism of the civil rights leader.

— lauren ritchie, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Lake County owes Virgil Hawkins recognition and a thank you for role in civil rights struggle," 12 July 2018
The Visual Art Gallery showcases achievements by mostly Orange County residents in photography, fine art and woodworking, although anyone living in California can submit their work.

— richard chang, latimes.com, "Art offers a feast of a different kind for OC Fair visitors," 12 July 2018
The official heir to Yugoslavia's achievements at the World Cup is Serbia.

— chris lehourites, chicagotribune.com, "Croatia has surpassed the great Yugoslav teams of the past," 12 July 2018
In addition to Lumley's lifetime achievement honor, the Rose d'Or will present an entertainer-of-the-year award at this year's ceremony.

— scott roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, "Rose d'Or TV Festival to Honor Joanna Lumley With Lifetime Achievement Award," 12 July 2018
The slash in funding represents the latest efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine former President Barack Obama’s cornerstone legislative achievement.

— alana abramson, Time, "Trump Administration Cuts $26 Million in Funds for Organizations that Help People Sign Up For Obamacare," 11 July 2018
The company receives a $250 bonus for every student who passes the AZMerit statewide achievement test.

— craig harris, azcentral, "Arizona charter school founder makes millions building his own schools," 11 July 2018
Some critics of the New York proposal worry that the academic rigor and achievement culture established at these high schools could be in jeopardy.

— harry bruinius, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Keep the test!' A debate flares over exam-based public high schools.," 6 July 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of achievement

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

achievement Synonyms

Phrases

a feather in one's cap;

Synonym Discussion of 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

ACHIEVEMENT Defined for English Language Learners

achievement

noun

Definition of achievement for English Language Learners

: 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