attained

[ uh-teynd ]

adjective

1. reached or achieved, often after considerable time and effort:

   Any country with a reactor and a fairly easily attained level of expertise can build an atomic bomb.

2. having reached a specified level of accomplishment; skilled or expert:

   He was an eminent professor of religion and a highly attained mystic.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of attain.

Other Words From

• un·at·tained adjective
• well-at·tained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attained¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; attain ( def ) + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective senses; attain ( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

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 mini totes have also attained a similar social status as luxury items.

From Salon

It was a relatively frequent occurrence in the 1920s and 1930s after a livelier baseball was introduced, then was rarely attained until the steroids era.

From Los Angeles Times

“It will identify any gaps in legislation around how these weapons are attained illegally online,” the Home Office spokesperson said.

From BBC

Aldi added that many store associates eventually attained store manager, leadership and corporate positions throughout their careers.

From Salon

Related Words

• accomplished
• completed
• executed
• finished
• performed