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.
The missive from the White House has drawn criticism from former service members who argue that scrubbing such achievements distorts military history. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 This vision is not just a possibility but a necessity, unlocking myriad benefits that ripple across personal growth, social interactions, and academic achievements. Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Praises for Kai's newest sartorial achievement were sung loudly by her mom and dad, who showed their love on Instagram. Michelle Lee, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Support perseverance and passion for long-term goals: Support sustained effort and a growth mindset rather than grades or achievement for achievement's sake. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Achievement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achievement. Accessed 22 Apr. 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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