achievement

noun

achieve·​ment ə-ˈchēv-mənt How to pronounce achievement (audio)
Synonyms of achievement
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

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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.
Sports is filled with stories of sons and daughters trying to emulate or surpass the achievements of their parents. — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Despite notable achievements in reducing deforestation and directing resources to foster ecological investments, the government has often struggled to counter a conservative Congress where agribusiness interests wield significant influence. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 Following the achievement, Whisenant continued taking on challenging routes in Yosemite. — Sophie Ziedalski, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 The achievement comes just after Grande concluded the North American leg of her Eternal Sunshine Tour on Friday night in Chicago. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing achievement

Rhymes for achievement

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Browse Nearby Words

achieved
achievement
achievement quotient
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Cite this Entry

“Achievement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achievement. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of achievement for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about achievement

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