accomplishment

American  

[uh-kom-plish-muhnt] / əˈkɒm plɪʃ mənt /

noun

• accomplishments
  plural

1. an act or instance of carrying into effect; fulfillment.

   the accomplishment of our desires.

   Synonyms:

   execution, completion

   Antonyms:

   failure

2. something done admirably or creditably.

   Space exploration is a major accomplishment of science.

3. anything accomplished; deed; achievement.

   a career measured in a series of small accomplishments.

   Synonyms:

   consummation

4. Often accomplishments.

   1. a grace, skill, or knowledge expected in polite society.

   2. any acquired ability or knowledge.

   Synonyms:

   proficiency, acquisition

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accomplishment British  

/ əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt, əˈkʌm- /

noun

1. the act of carrying out or achieving

2. something achieved or successfully completed

3. (often plural) skill or talent

4. (often plural) social grace, style, and poise

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Usage

What does accomplishment mean? An accomplishment is something that has been accomplished—achieved, carried out, or finished. To accomplish a goal is to complete it. The word achievement means about the same thing. Accomplish and achieve can be used as synonyms, but they sometimes imply slightly different things. Achieve and achievement often imply the completion of something important or difficult—a lofty goal or a great feat. You can accomplish a lofty goal or a great feat, but the word accomplish itself doesn’t typically imply this. Rather, it usually just means to complete something (regardless of how impressive it is). However, this sense of accomplishment is usually used in the context of the completion of actions or goals that are at least somewhat impressive—or that take a good amount of effort. Graduating high school is an accomplishment. Learning a new language is an accomplishment. Accomplishment can also refer to the act of accomplishing, as in We need to focus on the accomplishment of these goals. This sense of the word doesn’t typically imply impressiveness by itself—it means the same thing as completion. Example: Make sure you list all your major accomplishments on your resume.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• preaccomplishment
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• accomplishments
  plural

Etymology

Origin of accomplishment

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English; accomplish + -ment; compare French accomplissement

Explanation

An accomplishment is something notable that you've done. Graduating from college with honors is an accomplishment. First used in the 15th century, the noun accomplishment derives from the Old French word acomplir, meaning "to fulfill, fill up, complete." An accomplishment is something you've completed successfully. The word often refers to a goal that you've achieved. If you're a runner, you'd consider completing a marathon to be a great accomplishment. Gaining a new skill can also be an accomplishment. Speaking French fluently might be an accomplishment that makes you really proud.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

accomplishment accomplishments

Don’t get me wrong: Accumulating $2.3 million for retirement by age 68 is an outstanding accomplishment, especially when you also expect to receive Social Security benefits and a pension.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 8, 2026

Given Seward’s popularity, as well as the prominence of other candidates, such as Salmon P. Chase, Simon Cameron and Edward Bates, this was no small accomplishment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

Also, running the Boston Marathon is obviously a huge accomplishment, but if you ran the 2013 Boston Marathon, you should lead with that and not save it for an interview years after you meet someone.

From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2026

“My dad also made sure I knew his greatest accomplishment that came at 50 years old, becoming a Dad,” son Jackson said in his tribute.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Penelope was left with the impression that titles were more important than profession and land was more important than business, but money was far more important than any other sort of accomplishment.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

But despite their individual accomplishments, neither player has won a major singles or doubles title.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

Barb is toasting Ron and his accomplishments, but he can’t pay attention because the waitress is standing awkwardly at the table.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

In the past five years, Sanxingdui has captured the imagination of a Chinese nation eager to revel in its long history and civilizational accomplishments.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

For example, researchers last year counted more than 1 million different badges, which are digital displays of a worker’s skills and accomplishments.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026

The president of the club, Dr. Edward Lasker, welcomed everyone, thanked them for coming, and then began a litany of Bobby’s many accomplishments.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• ability
• achievement
• capability
• deed
• effort
• exploit
• feat
• performance
• skill
• talent
• triumph