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

More atypical in… West Africa in Evolution THE French Community, created by General de Gaulle in full agreement with Africa's true representatives, is one of the greatest achievements of our time. —Paul M. Atkins, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

The May 29 graduation event honored the achievements of the students who have demonstrated both academic excellence and practical skills in fire safety, emergency medical response and disaster preparedness, the release said. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2024

But the center’s achievements have brought with them new needs. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024

This high-profile overseas trip created a platform from which Reagan could highlight some of the key achievements of his first term and present his views on issues that were critical to voters, without formally campaigning. —Sarah Thomson / Made By History, TIME, 6 June 2024

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

Kids Definition

achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt 

1

: the act of achieving

2

: something achieved