achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt How to pronounce achievement (audio)
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
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 An even more impressive achievement considering India is currently the fifth-largest economy in the world and on track to become the third largest by 2027. Emilien Coquard, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 She was recognized for her work in 2022 when she was given the Devonshire award for outstanding achievement and contribution to the British breeding industry. Melissa Girimonte, Peoplemag, 25 Nov. 2023 There, people walk through a 500-feet-long video tunnel that showcases the country’s various achievements under Mr. Putin's rule, such as the construction of apartment buildings and highways. Ivan Nechepurenko, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2023 Three such achievements in a week, with a major US holiday and with a huge amount of noise surrounding us, speaks volumes to the commitment, focus, and sense of urgency that everyone has. Tom Warren, The Verge, 22 Nov. 2023 She was honored with a Video Vanguard honor at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards — becoming the first South American artist to win the lifetime achievement award. Anne Branigin, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023 Advertisement Wilson’s extraordinary achievement came to mind when a Nov. 11 fire under the elevated Interstate 10 forced closure of the freeway section in both directions. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2023 In appealing to and upholding moral values, people have accomplished some of society’s greatest achievements, such as Indian independence and the end of South African apartheid. Joshua Rottman, Scientific American, 20 Nov. 2023 Shaiman, a Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner, received an outstanding career achievement award. Paul Grein, Billboard, 16 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'achievement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of achievement was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near achievement

Cite this Entry

“Achievement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achievement. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

achievement

noun
achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt How to pronounce achievement (audio)
1
: the act of achieving
2
: something achieved

More from Merriam-Webster on achievement

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