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

However, the priest has been praised by progressives for his academic achievements and his efforts to assist the poor. —Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026

One George reflects on another Bush in his essay on Washington reflected on the first president's willingness to cede power both as the Army's commander and as president, his loyalty to his country and his achievements, including avoiding war and stabilizing a burgeoning economy. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026

While Macmillan’s or Oswalt’s feat is no less, even if one of them no longer remains the Guinness World Record holder, the achievement does not mean much in the larger scheme of things, though. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026

This afternoon, the Berlinale announced that Gerima will receive the honorary Berlinale Camera for career achievement at the Feb 17 screening of Black Lions. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Feb. 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