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

The team ended the NBA’s longest season in October 2020 with the franchise’s 17th title, the crowning achievement of Jeanie’s time as the face of Lakers ownership. — Law Murray, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

This achievement came after four opening weekend screenings sold out in less than an hour, a full year ahead of release. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

The integration of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and bioengineering is already enabling life-changing achievements, from combating disease to supercharging agricultural productivity to solving energy challenges. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

And George Clooney, a long-time/part-time resident of Italy in Lake Como who has had several Venice debuts in the past, will be honored with a lifetime achievement award. — David Bloom, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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