Achieve: meaning, definitions and examples

🏆
Add to dictionary

achieve

 

[ əˈtʃiːv ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

goal

To successfully reach a desired goal or result through effort, skill, or courage.

Synonyms

accomplish, attain, reach, succeed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
achieve

Used when referring to reaching a goal or completing something important, often through effort or skill.

  • She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor
  • He achieved great success with his new business
accomplish

Used to describe the completion of a task or goal, especially one that required effort and planning.

  • We were able to accomplish all our tasks ahead of schedule
  • By working together, they accomplished amazing things
attain

Often used when reaching a specific level, status, or degree after effort or by natural development.

  • He attained the highest score in the competition
  • After years of hard work, she attained her ideal weight
reach

Used for arriving at a destination or achieving something after some effort, often indicating the completion of a journey or process.

  • After several attempts, we finally reached the summit
  • She reached her goal of writing a book
succeed

Pertains to achieving a desired result, often implying that the person has overcome challenges or competition. It can have a broader, more general use compared to the other words.

  • With persistence, he will eventually succeed in his endeavors
  • She succeeded where many others have failed

Examples of usage

  • She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
  • The team achieved victory after a tough battle.
  • I believe that with determination, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
Context #2 | Verb

academic

To attain a high standard in a particular subject or skill through study or practice.

Synonyms

accomplish, attain, reach, succeed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
achieve

Use when highlighting the successful completion of a goal, particularly through effort or skill.

  • She achieved her dream of becoming a doctor
  • They worked hard to achieve high sales figures
accomplish

Used to indicate the completion of a specific task or goal, often implying a sense of fulfillment.

  • We accomplished our mission ahead of schedule
  • He managed to accomplish all his tasks for the day
attain

Choose this term when referring to reaching a specific level, standard, or goal, often through some effort.

  • She attained her goal of losing twenty pounds
  • They attained a high level of precision in their work
reach

Best used when indicating arrival at a goal or destination, either physically or metaphorically.

  • He finally reached the summit after a grueling climb
  • They reached an agreement after hours of negotiation
succeed

Refers to achieving a desired outcome, often after challenging work, carries a slightly broader connotation than others.

  • She succeeded in her attempt to break the record
  • To succeed in business, one must be both innovative and persistent

Examples of usage

  • He achieved top grades in his exams.
  • She achieved fluency in Spanish after years of study.
  • Hard work and dedication are essential to achieving success in academia.
Context #3 | Noun

award

Something that is successfully accomplished, especially through effort or skill; a goal that has been reached.

Synonyms

accomplishment, attainment, success, triumph.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
achieve

It is often used when you are talking about putting in effort to reach a goal. It emphasizes the process and hard work.

  • She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
  • They achieved a major breakthrough in the research.
accomplishment

This word is commonly used to highlight something that has been completed successfully. It often implies a sense of pride and significant effort.

  • Graduating from college is a significant accomplishment.
  • His accomplishments in the field of science are well known.
attainment

It is typically used in formal or academic contexts to describe the action of achieving something over time, especially through dedication and effort.

  • The attainment of his life goals brought him great satisfaction.
  • Educational attainment is a key predictor of employment opportunities.
success

This is a general term that can be used in a wide variety of contexts to indicate the achievement of a desired result.

  • His business venture was a huge success.
  • She found success as a chef in a top restaurant.
triumph

Typically used when referring to a magnificent victory or achievement, often over a challenging obstacle. It carries a connotation of high praise.

  • Their triumph over adversity inspired many people.
  • The team celebrated their triumph at the championship.

Examples of usage

  • Winning the championship was a great achievement for the team.
  • His novel was considered an achievement in modern literature.
  • Graduating with honors was a significant achievement for her.

Translations

Translations of the word "achieve" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alcançar

🇮🇳 प्राप्त करना

🇩🇪 erreichen

🇮🇩 mencapai

🇺🇦 досягати

🇵🇱 osiągnąć

🇯🇵 達成する (tassei suru)

🇫🇷 atteindre

🇪🇸 lograr

🇹🇷 başarmak

🇰🇷 성취하다 (seongchwihada)

🇸🇦 تحقيق (tahaqiq)

🇨🇿 dosáhnout

🇸🇰 dosiahnuť

🇨🇳 实现 (shíxiàn)

🇸🇮 doseči

🇮🇸 

🇰🇿 жету

🇬🇪 მიღწევა (migweva)

🇦🇿 nail olmaq

🇲🇽 lograr

Etymology

The word 'achieve' originated from the Old French word 'achever', meaning 'to complete'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the sense of 'to complete, accomplish'. Over time, 'achieve' has come to represent the act of successfully reaching a desired goal or result through effort or skill. The word is commonly used in various contexts, emphasizing the accomplishment of objectives, both personal and professional.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,891, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.