accomplish

verb

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ac·com·plish | \ ə-ˈkäm-plish

, -ˈkəm-

accomplished; accomplishing; accomplishes

Essential Meaning of accomplish

: to succeed in doing (something) They have accomplished [=done, achieved] much in a very short period of time. He finally felt like he had accomplished [=done] something important. See More ExamplesThere are several different ways to accomplish the same task. It's amazing what you can accomplish [=do] through/with hard work. Exactly what he thought he would accomplish is unclear.Hide

Full Definition of accomplish

transitive verb

1 : to bring about (a result) by effort have much to accomplish today

2 : to bring to completion : fulfill accomplish a job

3 : to succeed in reaching (a stage in a progression) would starve before accomplishing half the distance— W. H. Hudson †1922

4 archaic

a : to equip thoroughly

b : perfect

Other Words from accomplish Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About accomplish

Choose the Right Synonym for accomplish

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 accomplish in a Sentence

There are several different ways to accomplish the same task. Exactly what he thought he would accomplish is unclear.

Recent Examples on the Web But many homes don’t accomplish even one air change in an hour. — oregonlive, 20 Nov. 2021 This will accomplish near-term benefits while striving toward the long-term success of reaching carbon neutrality. — baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 17 Nov. 2021 Tenant experiences can also accomplish many things. — Chase Garbarino, Forbes, 15 Nov. 2021 The Biden Administration must accomplish something. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2021 Bulking up the midfield also will accomplish the ultimate goal of this Pride offseason — building off improvements on both sides of the ball to create consistent results rather than streaks and skids of success and failure. — Julia Poe, orlandosentinel.com, 4 Nov. 2021 This will accomplish the dual goals of breaking up build-up and restoring moisture. — Amber Rambharose, SELF, 1 Nov. 2021 So, what did Auburn accomplish during its bye week? — Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 26 Oct. 2021 But even then, there’s only so much that policy can accomplish. — Alexander William Salter, National Review, 18 Oct. 2021

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

History and Etymology for accomplish

Middle English acomplicen, accomplisshen, borrowed from Anglo-French acomplis-, stem of acomplir, acumplir, from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + complir, cumplir "to complete, fulfill," going back (with conjugation change) to Latin complēre "to fill up, complete" — more at complete entry 1