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
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for achievement 

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 30 Jan. 2025.

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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