achieve

verb

\ ə-ˈchēv

achieved; achieving

Definition of achieve

transitive verb

1 : to carry out successfully : accomplish achieve a gradual increase in production

2 : to get or attain as the result of exertion : reach achieved a high degree of skill achieved greatness

intransitive verb

: to attain a desired end or aim : become successful

Other Words from achieve Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about achieve

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Choose the Right Synonym for achieve

perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect. perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill. performed gymnastics execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent. executed the hit-and-run discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks. discharged his duties accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out. accomplished everything they set out to do achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties. achieve greatness effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles. effected sweeping reforms fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities. fulfilled their ambitions

Examples of achieve in a Sentence

a diet that achieves dramatic results With much practice, she has achieved a high level of skill. They achieved high scores on their math tests. We give students the skills they need in order to achieve in college.

Recent Examples on the Web

If every woman could equal the career pinnacle achieved by America’s first female secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, then the dream of two British entrepreneurs will be delivered. — Prue Lewington, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Career Club Is the Global Sisterhood You've Always Wanted," 11 Feb. 2019 Photo: Getty Images 2016: Larger Than Life Rihanna swapped a sailor’s hat for a white baseball cap and wrapped herself in a wildly voluminous Vetements pea coat to achieve this edgy city look. — Katharine K. Zarrella, WSJ, "A Complete Guide to Buying the Essential Women’s Pea Coat," 11 Jan. 2019 To achieve the asymmetrical look, just lift one brow, tilt your head, and pout your lips slightly. 8. — Seventeen, "The 13 Types of Selfies That Are All Over Instagram," 11 Jan. 2019 Programming that model into animation software enables animators to more easily achieve a realistic look. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "New software will let artists control how light interacts with objects," 30 Nov. 2018 And before that, the record price for a pink diamond was $46.2 million, achieved by the 24.78-carat Graff Pink. — Liz Cantrell, Town & Country, "This Pink Diamond Just Broke a World Record," 14 Nov. 2018 Style tip: Leave your coat open at the top, and zip up your fleece all the way to show off the high neck while still achieving maximum warmth. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "Survive the Rest of Winter With These 4 Essential Layering Tips," 7 Feb. 2019 Urbanist Peter Calthorpe calculated that through urban densification alone, the United States could achieve half the carbon reductions needed to hold global temperatures to a rise of 2 degrees Celsius (4 degrees Fahrenheit). — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "As cities confront climate change, is density the answer?," 11 Dec. 2018 If that spacecraft successfully lands on the moon as intended in February, Israel will be only the fourth country to achieve this feat. — Alex Stuckey, Houston Chronicle, "NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine wants to boost collaboration with Israel," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'achieve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.