attain

[ uh-teyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to reach, achieve, or accomplish; gain; obtain:

   to attain one's goals.

   Synonyms: secure

   Antonyms: miss

2. to come to or arrive at, especially after some labor or tedium; reach:

   to attain the age of 96;

   to attain the mountain peak.

   Antonyms: miss

verb (used without object)

1. to arrive at or succeed in reaching or obtaining something (usually followed by to or unto ):

   to attain to knowledge.

2. to reach in the course of development or growth:

   These trees attain to remarkable height.

attain

/ əˈteɪn /

verb

1. tr to achieve or accomplish (a task, goal, aim, etc)
2. tr to reach or arrive at in space or time

   to attain old age

3. introften foll byto to arrive (at) with effort or exertion

   to attain to glory

Derived Forms

• atˌtainaˈbility, noun
• atˈtainable, adjective

Other Words From

• at·tain·er noun
• re·at·tain verb (used with object)
• un·at·tain·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attain¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English atei(g)nen, from Anglo-French, Old French ateign- (stem of ateindre ), from unattested Vulgar Latin attangere (for Latin attingere ), equivalent to Latin at- at- + tangere “to touch”

Word History and Origins

Origin of attain¹

C14: from Old French ateindre, from Latin attingere to reach, from tangere to touch

Synonym Study

See gain ¹.

Example Sentences

Gascón also noted jurors still remain hesitant to convict police, and sometimes plea deals are the best way to attain some measure of accountability.

From Los Angeles Times

In Lue’s eyes, there also will be pressure on him to keep the team afloat and help navigate the Clippers so they can still reach the heights they have attained.

From Los Angeles Times

The Jewish state, founded on the promise of providing a safe refuge for the Jewish people, cannot allow the ayatollahs to attain the means to fulfill Khamenei’s genocidal prophesy.

From Los Angeles Times

Much of the hype behind these mini totes stems from the fact they are hard to attain.

From Salon

"It's easy to attain and doesn't cost the world to have that little moment of enjoyment with your PSL in the day, regardless of whatever else is going on," she added.

From BBC

Related Words

• complete
• earn
• gain
• obtain
• promote
• reach
• realize
• reap
• secure