achievement

[uh-cheev-muhnt]

noun

1. something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed.

   his remarkable achievements in art.

2. the act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment.

   the achievement of one's object.

   Synonyms: realization, fulfillment

3. Heraldry.,  the full display of the armorial bearings of an individual or corporation.

4. Digital Technology.,  a title or icon associated with a user profile or account that indicates the person's skill or rank in an online community, especially on a gaming platform.

achievement

/ əˈtʃiːvmənt /

noun

1. something that has been accomplished, esp by hard work, ability, or heroism

2. successful completion; accomplishment

3. heraldry a less common word for hatchment

Other Word Forms

• superachievement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of achievement¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French achevement “conclusion”; equivalent to achieve + -ment

Synonym Study

Achievement, exploit, feat are terms for a noteworthy act. Achievement connotes final accomplishment of something noteworthy, after much effort and often in spite of obstacles and discouragements: a scientific achievement. Exploit connotes boldness, bravery, and usually ingenuity: the famous exploit of an aviator. Feat connotes the performance of something difficult, generally demanding skill and strength: a feat of horsemanship.

Example Sentences

She concluded that money brought her joy when she used it to buy things that would tangibly improve her life, and to celebrate her achievements, even small ones.

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She concluded that money brought her joy when she used it to buy things that would tangibly improve her life, and to celebrate her achievements, even small ones.

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While the scandal ended her political career, her reputation largely recovered in Kentucky, where her crowning achievement—Toyota’s factory in Georgetown—transformed the state’s economy.

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She added that it was the "achievement of a whole society".

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In the film, Shakespeare writes his most famous play, “Hamlet,” out of his grief — an artistic achievement that also frees Agnes from her suffering.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• attainment 
• creation 
• deed 
• effort 
• feat 
• performance 
• realization 
• success 
• triumph 
• victory 

When To Use

What does achievement mean?

An achievement is a great accomplishment—something achieved with great effort or skill.Achieve and achievement often imply the completion of something important or difficult—a lofty goal or a great feat. Graduating high school is an achievement. Learning a new language is an achievement. An award is an achievement.Achievement can also refer to the act of achieving, as in We need to focus on the achievement of these goals. This sense of the word doesn’t always imply impressiveness by itself—it often means the same thing as completion.Example: Becoming a nurse is a major achievement—it represents years of hard work and sacrifice.