attain
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for attain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To succeed in reaching or achieving something through effort.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use attain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French ataindre, "to reach," from Latin attingere ("to touch, reach"), from ad- ("to") plus tangere ("to touch").
Full origin of attain →Frequently asked questions
What does “attain” mean?
The word “attain” means to succeed in reaching or achieving something through effort. In plain terms, to reach or achieve a goal, level, or state, usually after sustained effort.
How do you pronounce “attain”?
“Attain” is pronounced uh-TAYN (/əˈteɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “attain” in a sentence?
Here is “attain” used in a sentence: “She worked for years to attain her law degree.”
What part of speech is “attain”?
Depending on how it is used, “attain” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “attain” come from?
The word “attain” comes from Latin. From Old French ataindre, "to reach," from Latin attingere ("to touch, reach"), from ad- ("to") plus tangere ("to touch").
Is “attain” a common word?
“Attain” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “attain” have?
“Attain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to succeed in reaching or achieving something through effort.
What is the difference between attain and achieve?
"Attain" and "achieve" both mean to succeed in reaching a goal through effort, and they're largely interchangeable. "Attain" often suggests reaching a level, status, or standard, such as "attain fluency," while "achieve" more commonly pairs with concrete accomplishments like "achieve a goal."
Is it correct to say "attain to" something?
"Attain to" is an older, more formal construction meaning to rise or reach a certain level, as in "attain to greatness." In modern English, "attain" is far more commonly used without "to," directly followed by the object, as in "attain a goal."
What kinds of things does attain typically describe?
"Attain" is often used with abstract nouns such as goals, success, fluency, status, or a particular age, since it emphasizes reaching a desired state through sustained effort. It is less natural with everyday physical objects.