achieve
uh-CHEEV
Achieve (verb) means to succeed in doing or reaching something, usually after effort. Example: “She achieved her goal of running a marathon.”
verb
1
To succeed in doing or reaching something, usually after effort.
"She achieved her goal of running a marathon."
"The team achieved record sales this quarter."
"With steady practice, you can achieve fluency in a new language within a few years."
2
To do well, especially in school or in a career.
"He has always achieved highly in maths."
"Children who feel supported at home often achieve more at school."
"She worked hard to achieve well in her final exams."
How to use achieve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo succeed at something through effort — reach a goal, finish a task well, or get a desired result.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "achieved" used loosely for simple actions — achieve implies effort and success, not just doing something.
Common pairings
achieve a goal
achieve success
achieve results
achieve a balance
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- achieves
- Past tense
- achieved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ her goal of running a marathon.
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for achieve
See all rhymes for 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.
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