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

Gigi Hadid speaks onstage during the 12th Breakthrough Prize ceremony, which honors outstanding achievements in the sciences, in Santa Monica, California, on April 18. —Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026

Among his notable achievements on Capitol Hill, Scott secured $80 million for historically Black land-grant schools as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. —Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

Wrapping up the conversation, Knowles mentioned her new venture, Badass Teenie B Productions, and emphasized the value of staying authentic and taking pride in your achievements. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026

His objection isn’t Lightning’s build or its time but the framing of its achievement. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 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