achievement
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ətʃˈiːvmənt/
US
- /əˈtʃivmənt/
Description
- success
- accomplishment
- attainment
An achievement isn't just something you do; it's something you work for, overcome obstacles to reach, and ultimately feel proud of. It's the sweet taste of success after a long journey. Think about climbing a mountain – reaching the peak is an achievement! Or maybe mastering a difficult song on the piano, or even finally finishing that challenging book. Achievements can be big or small, personal or public, but they all share one thing: effort and reward. You might celebrate an achievement with friends and family, or quietly savor it yourself.
The related verb is achieve – to "achieve" means to successfully bring something about through hard work. "She achieved her dream of becoming a doctor." It's more than just happening; it's making it happen!
Achievement refers to the successful completion of something difficult, often after considerable effort and dedication. It signifies reaching a goal or attaining a desired outcome. For example: "Winning the championship was a great achievement for the team," or "Her academic achievements earned her a scholarship."
Achievements aren't limited to grand feats; they can be found in everyday life. Learning a new skill, overcoming a personal challenge, or simply completing a difficult task all qualify as achievements. It's about progress and growth. You might say, "Even getting out of bed on a tough day is an achievement."
The word carries a strong sense of pride and satisfaction. Achievements are often recognized with awards, honors, or public acknowledgement, but the most important reward is usually the personal fulfillment they bring.
Interestingly, "achievement" isn't just about what you accomplish, but also how. It implies skill, effort, and determination. A lucky break might lead to a positive outcome, but it wouldn't necessarily be considered an achievement. True achievements are earned through hard work and perseverance.
So whether it's a monumental milestone or a small step forward, achievement is about realizing your potential and reaching for something worthwhile – and then succeeding!
Examples
- 1
University admission
Winning a place at university was a real achievement.
- 2
Engineering
The bridge is still seen as a major engineering achievement.
- 3
Coaching
Her greatest achievement as a coach was building a team that trusted each other.
- 4
Education
The school is working to improve student achievement in math and reading.
- 5
Everyday effort
Even cleaning the kitchen felt like an achievement after such a long day.
- 6
Shared success
Finishing the project gave everyone a strong sense of achievement.
- 7
Business review
The company celebrated its achievements over the past year.
- 8
Career award
He received a lifetime achievement award for his work in film.
Phrase
lifetime achievement award
an award for a person’s work over many years
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- achievementnoun
Forms
- achievementspluralnoun