Attain: meaning, definitions and examples

🏆

Add to dictionary

attain

[əˈteɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

achievement

To succeed in achieving something after a lot of effort or hard work. To reach a particular level, age, or condition.

Synonyms

accomplish, achieve, reach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
attain	Use when something is reached after considerable effort, often linked with long-term goals or milestones. She attained the highest level of success in her field
achieve	Commonly used when referring to reaching a significant goal or completing something impressive. She achieved great success in her business venture
accomplish	Best used when referring to completing tasks or objectives, especially ones that require skill and effort. He accomplished all his goals for the year
reach	Appropriate for describing the act of arriving at a specific point or goal, whether physically or metaphorically. They finally reached the summit after days of climbing

Examples of usage

She finally attained her goal of becoming a doctor.
He attained a high level of success in his career.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

level

To reach a certain level, point, or status.

Synonyms

achieve, gain, reach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
attain	Best used in formal contexts, particularly when discussing achieving goals or reaching a certain level of success or development through effort. He worked hard to attain his position in the company. She aims to attain a higher level of education.
reach	Used to describe arriving at a particular stage, point, or condition, usually implying movement towards a goal or destination. She reached the peak of the mountain. He reached the final stage of the competition.
achieve	Commonly used to describe the successful completion of an objective or goal, often implying significant effort or skill. She achieved her dream of becoming a doctor. They achieved a record high in sales.
gain	Often refers to acquiring something positive such as knowledge, weight, or resources. It may not always imply effort. He gained a lot of experience during the internship. She gained five pounds over the holidays.

Examples of usage

He attained a level of proficiency in Spanish.
The company attained a new milestone in sales.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

formal

The action of achieving a goal or reaching a destination.

Synonyms

accomplishment, achievement, realization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
attain	Use when someone reaches a goal or a certain level after considerable effort. Often used with abstract or long-term goals like success or happiness. She managed to attain her dream of becoming a doctor. After years of dedication, he attained the highest level in his career.
achievement	Used for notable deeds or successes, often implying admiration and respect. It is typically used to describe something that has a positive impact or is recognized by others. Graduating from university is a great achievement. His scientific discoveries are regarded as achievements in the field of medicine.
accomplishment	Refers to the completion of a task or goal, often highlighting the effort and skill involved. It can be used for both small and large tasks. Winning the award was a significant accomplishment for her. Completing the project on time was a major accomplishment.
realization	Used to describe the moment when a person understands something clearly, or when a plan or dream becomes a reality. The realization of his mistakes came too late. Her realization of her lifelong dream brought her immense joy.

Examples of usage

His attainment of the award was a great honor.
Education is the key to attaining success.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'attinere', meaning 'to hold to' or 'to belong to'.
It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, evolving from the Old French 'atteindre'.
Initially, it conveyed the sense of reaching a physical place, later expanding to include achieving goals.

Psychology

Setting achievable goals is crucial for motivation and self-esteem, as it provides a sense of direction.
Research suggests that people who focus on attaining specific goals experience greater satisfaction and fulfillment.
The concept of 'self-determination theory' suggests that the desire to attain personal goals is a fundamental human motivation.

Education

In academic settings, students are often encouraged to attain higher levels of knowledge through structured learning.
Attainment in education is often measured through grades, indicating how well a student understands the material.
Teachers use formative assessments to help students track their progress toward attaining learning objectives.

Pop Culture

Many motivational speeches and self-help books emphasize the importance of perseverance in attaining one's dreams.
Films often depict characters embarking on journeys to attain personal goals, highlighting the struggles and triumphs along the way.
Popular songs frequently celebrate the theme of attainment, encouraging listeners to achieve their aspirations.

Translations

Translations of the word "attain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alcançar

atingir
obter

🇮🇳 प्राप्त करना

🇩🇪 erreichen

🇮🇩 mencapai

🇺🇦 досягти

🇵🇱 osiągnąć

🇯🇵 達成する (tassei suru)

🇫🇷 atteindre

🇪🇸 alcanzar

🇹🇷 ulaşmak

🇰🇷 달성하다 (dalsseonghada)

🇸🇦 حقق (haqqaqa)

🇨🇿 dosáhnout

🇸🇰 dosiahnuť

🇨🇳 达到 (dádào)

🇸🇮 doseči

🇮🇸 ná (ná)

🇰🇿 жетістікке жету

🇬🇪 მიღწევა (mighcheva)

🇦🇿 nail olmaq

🇲🇽 alcanzar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,981, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4978 customary
4979 evolved
4980 wires
4981 attain
4982 earnest
4983 shells
4984 appreciated
...