achieve

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.

“Achieve” is pronounced uh-CHEEV (/əˈt͡ʃiːv/ in IPA).

Here is “achieve” used in a sentence: “She achieved her goal of running a marathon.”

Words with a similar meaning to “achieve” include conclude, end, finalize, complete, acquire and catch.

The opposite of “achieve” — its antonyms — are lose and miss.

“Achieve” is a verb.

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.

“Achieve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

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.

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.'

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.