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 of achievement

• success
• accomplishment

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

The National Mall and Lincoln Memorial anchor an outdoor collection of monuments, while the National Museum of African American History & Culture traces slavery, emancipation, the Civil Rights movement and African American achievement in sports, music and government. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026

Although Duchossois’ acquisition of Arlington Park in 1983 and his ownership of the luxurious track overshadowed his achievements as a breeder, his beautiful Hill ‘N Dale Farm near Barrington was a model breeding farm, as impressive as any of those in Kentucky. —Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Start with The National Mall & Lincoln Memorial, then go deep at the National Museum of African American History & Culture, which traces slavery, emancipation, the Civil Rights movement and Black achievement in sports, music, government and beyond. —Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026

But in this unpredictable environment, our Alliance cannot rest on past achievements, or assume that foundational principles simply endure. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for achievement

• bereavement
• underachievement

Kids Definition

achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt 

1

: the act of achieving

2

: something achieved