achieve
19 synonyms and 2 antonyms for achieve, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To succeed in doing or reaching something, usually after effort.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use achieve
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French achever, "to finish" or "bring to a head," ultimately built from Latin caput ("head") — the sense being to bring something to its final point.
Full origin of achieve →Frequently asked questions
What does “achieve” mean?
The word “achieve” means to succeed in doing or reaching something, usually after effort. In plain terms, to succeed at something through effort — reach a goal, finish a task well, or get a desired result.
How do you pronounce “achieve”?
“Achieve” is pronounced uh-CHEEV (/əˈt͡ʃiːv/ in IPA).
How do you use “achieve” in a sentence?
Here is “achieve” used in a sentence: “She achieved her goal of running a marathon.”
What is another word for “achieve”?
Words with a similar meaning to “achieve” include conclude, end, finalize, complete, acquire and catch.
What is the opposite of “achieve”?
The opposite of “achieve” — its antonyms — are lose and miss.
What part of speech is “achieve”?
“Achieve” is a verb.
Where does the word “achieve” come from?
The word “achieve” comes from Latin. From Old French achever, "to finish" or "bring to a head," ultimately built from Latin caput ("head") — the sense being to bring something to its final point.
Is “achieve” a common word?
“Achieve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between achieve and accomplish?
The two are near-synonyms and often interchangeable. 'Accomplish' stresses completing a specific task you set out to do. 'Achieve' leans toward reaching a significant goal or result, usually after real effort, and often carries a sense of success or distinction. You accomplish a task; you achieve a dream.
What is the noun form of achieve?
The main noun is 'achievement,' meaning something reached through effort, as in 'a remarkable achievement.' The person doing it is an 'achiever,' and the adjective 'achievable' describes a goal within reach. The verb itself becomes 'achieving' when used as a gerund, as in 'achieving your goals takes work.'
What is the opposite of achieve?
The clearest opposite is 'fail,' meaning to fall short of a goal. Depending on context, 'lose,' 'miss,' 'forfeit,' or 'give up' also work. Because achieving implies success after effort, its antonyms center on not reaching the target, whether through failure, abandonment, or simply falling short.