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

As a result, their students experienced minimal learning loss and fewer social-emotional setbacks; public school students saw devastating declines in achievement and well-being. —Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

Skating is an achievement fueled by immense physical and mental stressors, financial sacrifice, and restrictive expectations that can wear on competitors for decades. —Jasmine Wynn, Time, 9 Feb. 2026

Breezy Johnson, who won gold in the women's downhill alpine skiing event on Sunday, made the mistake of jumping for joy while celebrating her big achievement. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026

After adding a section to her policy agenda and achievements on her campaign website, users were quick to notice several major flaws. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 9 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