achieve
C1 (Very High Frequency)Neutral to Formal. Common in all registers but particularly frequent in professional, academic, and goal-oriented contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To successfully bring about or reach a desired objective, goal, or result through effort, skill, or courage.
To attain a particular standard, status, or level of success; to accomplish something noteworthy or difficult.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a significant degree of effort, planning, or skill. Often used for abstract or long-term goals (success, peace, independence) rather than simple physical acquisition. Can be transitive (achieve a goal) or used absolutely (She has achieved).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Minor differences in typical collocates due to cultural context (e.g., 'achieve a First' is UK-specific for university degrees).
Connotations
Equally positive in both dialects, associated with merit, effort, and success.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English in formal writing, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] achieve [NP] (transitive)[NP] achieve (intransitive/absolute)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
- “The sky's the limit.”
- “Reach for the stars.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for targets, KPIs, sales figures, and strategic objectives. 'The team achieved 120% of its quarterly target.'
Academic
Common in discussing research outcomes, learning objectives, and qualifications. 'The study achieved a significant reduction in error rates.'
Everyday
Used for personal goals, sports, and life events. 'He finally achieved his dream of running a marathon.'
Technical
Used in engineering and computing for reaching a state or meeting a specification. 'The system achieved optimal efficiency.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She hopes to achieve a first-class degree.
- The committee struggled to achieve a consensus.
- He has achieved remarkable things in his career.
American English
- The company achieved record profits this year.
- They achieved their goal ahead of schedule.
- It's a difficult standard to achieve.
adverb
British English
- The task was achievably broken down into smaller steps.
- He spoke achievably about the project's aims.
American English
- The goal is achievably within our reach.
- She outlined the plan achievably and clearly.
adjective
British English
- The achievable target was met with enthusiasm.
- She set herself an achievable goal for the month.
American English
- Is that outcome even achievable?
- We need to develop an achievable plan.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I want to achieve good marks in school.
- Did you achieve your goal?
- With hard work, you can achieve anything you want.
- The team achieved a great victory last weekend.
- The government has failed to achieve its main economic objectives.
- She finally achieved recognition for her scientific work.
- Negotiators are cautiously optimistic about achieving a lasting peace agreement.
- The artist achieved a remarkable synthesis of traditional and modern techniques.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A CHIEF' must ACHIEVE results to lead successfully. The 'IE' in achieve is like the 'IE' in 'believe' – you must believe you can achieve.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS A DESTINATION (reach a goal, arrive at a solution), SUCCESS IS AN OBJECT (attain a goal, grasp victory), EFFORT IS A JOURNEY (path to achievement).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'достигать' for simple physical reaching (use 'reach').
- Do not confuse with 'achieve' meaning to get/receive a thing; it's for abstract accomplishments.
- Be careful with 'achieve success' vs. 'become successful'; 'achieve' focuses on the act, not the state.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I achieved to pass the exam.' Correct: 'I managed to pass / succeeded in passing the exam.' (Achieve + noun, not infinitive)
- Incorrect: 'He achieved a new car.' (too physical/acquired) Correct: 'He acquired/bought a new car.'
- Overuse in contexts where simpler verbs like 'get', 'do', or 'make' are more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely collocation with 'achieve'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is followed by a noun (or noun phrase). You achieve a goal, success, a result. It is NOT followed by an infinitive (to do) or a gerund (doing).
They are very close synonyms. 'Accomplish' often implies completing a specific, defined task or mission, while 'achieve' can be used for more abstract, long-term goals like success or happiness.
Yes, in an absolute sense. For example: 'She has worked hard all her life and has truly achieved.' This implies she has achieved success or her goals in general.
Yes, it's a common and useful adjective meaning 'able to be achieved.' It's frequently used in planning, management, and goal-setting contexts.