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  

/ əˈkʌm-, əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt /

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

“Winning back-to-back championships is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it reflects the talent, determination and character of everyone in the organization,” Walter said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

Six figures is “an awesome accomplishment for any American,” but compared to the 1990s, “it doesn’t feel the same,” CJ Stermetz, a financial planner and founder at EquityFTW, told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

“There’s a great sense of accomplishment in mastering a tangible craft,” Perry said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

In 2021, when President Joe Biden appointed him to serve on his Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, a White House press release cited the “Wedges” paper as Pacala’s standout accomplishment.

From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2026

It was a wonderful accomplishment for a school where the background of many students was far more economically disadvantaged than that of students attending Permian.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

“The older you get, all your accomplishments are the same size,” Lacy said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

When asking for a figure near the top of the range, make your case by using specific accomplishments from throughout your career to show why you deserve it.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

He ticked off his accomplishments, including helping to bring in Taco Bell.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

“NYC-DSA is immensely proud of our accomplishments Tuesday, and our success will certainly factor into our strategic considerations in the future. Our endorsement process is extremely democratic and member-driven,” Mausser said.

From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2026

Most had religions that focused on human sacrifice, dark by contemporary standards, but their economic and scientific accomplishments were bright.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

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