achievement

[ uh-cheev-muhnt ]

noun

1. something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed:

   his remarkable achievements in art.

2. the act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment:

   the achievement of one's object.

   Synonyms: realization, fulfillment

3. Heraldry. the full display of the armorial bearings of an individual or corporation.
4. Digital Technology. a title or icon associated with a user profile or account that indicates the person's skill or rank in an online community, especially on a gaming platform.

achievement

/ əˈtʃiːvmənt /

noun

1. something that has been accomplished, esp by hard work, ability, or heroism
2. successful completion; accomplishment
3. heraldry a less common word for hatchment

Other Words From

• super·a·chievement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of achievement¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French achevement “conclusion”; equivalent to achieve + -ment

Synonym Study

Achievement, exploit, feat are terms for a noteworthy act. Achievement connotes final accomplishment of something noteworthy, after much effort and often in spite of obstacles and discouragements: a scientific achievement. Exploit connotes boldness, bravery, and usually ingenuity: the famous exploit of an aviator. Feat connotes the performance of something difficult, generally demanding skill and strength: a feat of horsemanship.

Example Sentences

Author Barbara Kingsolver won the award for distinguished contribution to American letters, which has previously been won by writers including Toni Morrison and Isabel Allende, while publisher W. Paul Coates — the father of author Ta-Nehisi Coates — won the 2024 Literarian Award, a lifetime achievement prize for outstanding service to the literary community.

From Los Angeles Times

The musician was also among the handful of country stars who presented “King of Country” George Strait with the 2024 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

From Los Angeles Times

He was presented with the lifetime achievement award and paid tribute to his manager Erv Woolsey, who died earlier this year.

From BBC

Ms Longfield says a “culture of exclusions” over the last decade has been driven by an “emphasis on academic achievement and grades”.

From BBC

In 2013, Flick received a lifetime achievement award from the National Guitar Museum, who said he was “one of the world's great guitarists”.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplishment
• attainment
• creation
• deed
• effort
• feat
• performance
• realization
• success
• triumph
• victory