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

• accomplishment
• acquirement
• attainment
• baby
• coup
• success
• triumph

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

Keep track of your major accomplishments and milestones to reference during performance reviews, and continually communicate your achievements. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

The Academy’s efforts to maintain its traditions, even in the face of unexpected challenges, reflect its commitment to honoring the artistry and achievements of cinema. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

There is only room for a few lines of text on the exhibition panel, which does not allow a comprehensive historical portrayal of a person or the classification of their life's achievements. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Last month, the European Film Academy presented the 72-year-old filmmaker with a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to world cinema. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt 

1

: the act of achieving

2

: something achieved