attain

verb

at·​tain ə-ˈtān How to pronounce attain (audio)
attained; attaining; attains

transitive verb

1
: to reach as an end : gain, achieve
attain a goal
2
: to come into possession of : obtain
he attained preferment over his fellows
3
: to come to as the end of a progression or course of movement
They attained the top of the hill.
attain a ripe old age

intransitive verb

: to come or arrive by motion, growth, or effort
usually used with to
will probably attain to a height of six feet
attainability noun
attainable adjective

Examples of attain in a Sentence

a quest to attain enlightenment She refused to let the injury keep her from attaining her goal of being in the Olympics. This kind of tree can attain a height of 20 feet within just a few years. The car can attain a top speed of 200 mph.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The project comes after Herard became the steward of L’s estate in 2020 and attained a proper accounting of what’s owned by, and owed to, the late rapper. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 His rival, Hoshoryu, was the 74th man to attain the rank. Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025 Despite never attaining the presidency, he was credited with helping dismantle Kenya's one-party rule under Daniel arap Moi in 1992 and championing the progressive 2010 constitution, which ushered in far-reaching political reforms. NPR, 15 Oct. 2025 Margolies disclosed Shin’s departure through an email Wednesday to Bergdorf’s brand partners, a copy of which was attained by WWD. David Moin, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attain

Word History

Etymology

Middle English atteynen, from Anglo-French ateign-, stem of ateindre to reach, accomplish, convict, from Vulgar Latin *attangere, alteration of Latin attingere, from ad- + tangere to touch — more at tangent entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attain was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Attain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attain. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

attain

verb
at·​tain ə-ˈtān How to pronounce attain (audio)
1
: to reach as a goal : accomplish, achieve
2
: to come to possess : obtain
3
: to arrive at : reach
attain the top of the mountain
often used with to
attainability noun
attainable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on attain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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