achieve
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to bring to a successful conclusion; accomplish; attain
-
to gain as by hard work or effort
to achieve success
Related Words
See do 1.
Other Word Forms
- achievable adjective
- achiever noun
- outachieve verb (used with object)
- preachieved adjective
- superachiever noun
- unachievable adjective
- unachieved adjective
- well-achieved adjective
Etymology
Origin of achieve
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English acheven, from Old French achever “to finish,” from phrase a chef “to (the) head,” i.e., “to conclusion”; chief
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Doncic scored 600 points last month, joining Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to achieve the feat in March.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
The Bank of Canada sets interest rates to achieve and maintain 2% inflation, and, prior to the conflict in Iran, data indicated that increases in headline and core prices were decelerating.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
Novo was hoping to achieve better weight loss and blood sugar control by combining drugs that work through different pathways.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
"We had some good practice days before Indian Wells and seeing this kind of result makes me happy, as does the level we are trying to produce and the player we're trying to achieve."
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
"And just how would you achieve that miracle?"
From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
