achieve
To successfully reach a goal through effort.
Word facts
Definition
To achieve something means to successfully reach a goal or accomplish something through effort, skill, or determination. Achievement usually comes after sustained work and persistence — not by accident or without effort.
Usage: Achieve is usually followed by a noun or noun phrase (achieve a goal, achieve success). You achieve something that required effort — you do not use 'achieve' for things that happen by luck or accident.
Example sentences
- 1
She achieved her goal of running a marathon after five months of dedicated training.
- 2
The team achieved a breakthrough by trying an entirely different approach to the problem.
- 3
With effort and clear focus, it is possible to achieve things that once seemed impossible.
Word family
From Old French achever ('to bring to a head'), from a- + chief ('head', from Latin caput). The idea is completing something — bringing it to its 'head' or conclusion.
Achieve contains 'chief' — think of reaching the top where the chief stands. When you achieve something, you reach the top of what you aimed for.
Explore this word in Word Lab
FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the noun form of achieve?
The noun form is achievement. Example: Completing the project was a major achievement for the whole team.
How many syllables does achieve have?
Achieve has 2 syllables: a-chieve. The stress is on the second syllable: a-CHIEVE.
What is the difference between achieve and attain?
Both mean to reach a goal, but achieve suggests more personal effort and determination. Attain is slightly more formal and often used in academic or professional contexts.
What does 'high achiever' mean?
A high achiever is a person who consistently sets ambitious goals and reaches them through hard work and determination.