accomplishment
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The successful completion of something; something that has been achieved successfully.
A skill or ability in a particular area, often one gained through training or practice.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a positive, completed achievement; can refer to both concrete results and personal skills.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more frequent in AmE 'résumé/CV' contexts (e.g., 'list of accomplishments').
Connotations
In both, can imply effort and merit. Sometimes carries a slightly formal or old-fashioned nuance (e.g., 'a woman of many accomplishments').
Frequency
Common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
accomplishment of [goal/task]accomplishment in [field]take pride in an accomplishmentfeel a sense of accomplishmentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a sense of accomplishment”
- “a man/woman of many accomplishments”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in performance reviews and corporate communications (e.g., 'Her key accomplishment this quarter was increasing sales by 15%').
Academic
Used in discussions of historical, scientific, or artistic achievements (e.g., 'Einstein's greatest accomplishment').
Everyday
Used for personal goals and skills (e.g., 'Finishing the marathon was a huge accomplishment for me').
Technical
Rare. May appear in project management denoting completed deliverables.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They managed to accomplish the task ahead of schedule.
- He has yet to accomplish his main objective.
American English
- She accomplished her goal of running a business.
- The team accomplished a great deal in a short time.
adverb
British English
- The piece was accomplishedly performed.
- He accomplishedly negotiated the contract.
American English
- She accomplishedly finished her degree while working.
- They accomplishedly completed the project under budget.
adjective
British English
- She is a highly accomplished pianist.
- It was an accomplished piece of engineering.
American English
- He is an accomplished public speaker.
- The report was an accomplished analysis of the problem.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Finishing her homework was an accomplishment.
- He felt happy about his accomplishment.
- Learning to drive was a big accomplishment for her.
- His greatest accomplishment is being a good father.
- The team celebrated the accomplishment of their fundraising target.
- She listed her language skills as key accomplishments on her CV.
- The treaty was hailed as a major diplomatic accomplishment.
- Despite his numerous artistic accomplishments, he remained modest.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ACCOMPLISH + MENT. You add '-ment' to the verb to turn the action into the finished thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A FINISHED OBJECT/PRODUCT (e.g., 'build on past accomplishments').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque with Russian 'достижение' for minor everyday acts; 'accomplishment' implies notable effort/success.
- Not typically used for a simple 'result' (результат) of a routine process.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a synonym for 'hobby' (incorrect: 'My accomplishments are reading and jogging' - unless at a professional/skilled level).
- Confusing with 'accomplish' (verb).
- Misspelling as 'acomplishment'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'accomplishment' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Success' is broader and often refers to general favourable outcomes or status. 'Accomplishment' specifically refers to a completed, successful task or a demonstrable skill resulting from effort.
Yes, but typically only if it is subjectively important or required effort for the person involved (e.g., 'For a child, tying their shoes is a real accomplishment'). It's less likely for trivial, everyday acts.
They are very close synonyms. 'Accomplishment' can more readily refer to a cultivated skill (e.g., 'linguistic accomplishments'), while 'achievement' often emphasises the overcoming of obstacles. In many contexts, they are interchangeable.
Yes. You can have 'an accomplishment', 'several accomplishments', 'many accomplishments'.
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