DictionaryAI

achieve

verb
Sayuh-CHEEV/əˈt͡ʃiv/UK/əˈt͡ʃiːv/

Formsachieves, achieving, achieved

5 meanings of achieve

Practice

  1. 1
    accomplishverbtransitive
    To manage to do or get something you wanted, usually after working hard for it.

    Like crossing the finish line after a long race.

    The team worked hard to achieve their goal this season.

    She achieved everything she set out to do.

    UsageUse a noun after it: achieve a goal. Before a verb, say manage to win (not incorrect: achieve to win).

    Similarwin

  2. 2
    verbintransitive
    To do well, especially at school or in your studies.

    Like a plant that grows strong when it gets enough sun and water.

    Some students achieve despite very difficult circumstances.

    He was determined to achieve, no matter the obstacles.

    UsageUsed mostly about school: students who achieve. In other talk, say what someone achieved.

    Similarsucceed, excel, thrive

    Oppositefail

    Note
  3. 3
    verbliterarytransitive
    To get or come to own a real, physical thing.
    Show all the spoils by valiant kings achieved.
    1700, Matthew Prior, Carmen Seculare. for the Year 1700
    He hath achieved a maid That paragons description.
    c. 1603, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice”

    Similarobtain, gain, acquire

    Oppositelose

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To bring a task or job to its end, usually with success.
    Note
  2. 5
    verbobsoleteintransitive
    To come to an end, or to turn out a certain way.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of achieve apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English achieven, which came through Old French achever. It seems to go back to Latin roots meaning "to" and "head."

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts