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.
Since taking office in 2015, Duda has pursued a policy of strengthening Poland's military, attaining energy independence from Russia, and deepening strategic ties with Washington. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 To attain the 17:1 ratio of water-to-coffee often touted as ideal by the international Specialty Coffee Association, each 5-ounce cup would require about 8 grams of coffee. Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025 This porcini ragù attains a velvety intensity in practically no time. Matthew Cullen, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 Without further ado, here are the 14 best drugstore shampoos of 2025 to attain gorgeous hair for less. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 26 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attain. Accessed 8 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!