achieve

[uh-cheev]

verb (used with object)

achieved, achieving 

1. to bring to a successful end; carry through; accomplish.

   The police crackdown on speeders achieved its purpose.

   Synonyms: reach, realize, execute, effect, complete, consummate

2. to get or attain by effort; gain; obtain.

   to achieve victory.

   Synonyms: win, realize

verb (used without object)

achieved, achieving 

1. to bring about an intended result; accomplish some purpose or effect.

achieve

/ əˈtʃiːv /

verb

1. to bring to a successful conclusion; accomplish; attain

2. to gain as by hard work or effort

   to achieve success

Other Word Forms

• achiever noun
• achievable adjective
• outachieve verb (used with object)
• preachieved adjective
• superachiever noun
• unachievable adjective
• unachieved adjective
• well-achieved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of achieve¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English acheven, from Old French achever “to finish,” from phrase a chef “to (the) head,” i.e., “to conclusion”; chief

Word History and Origins

Origin of achieve¹

C14: from Old French achever to bring to an end, from the phrase a chef to a head, to a conclusion

Synonym Study

See do ¹.

Example Sentences

"No evil propaganda video will weaken us or divert us from our determination to achieve these goals," the statement said.

From BBC

If a future Reform government were to stick to its tax cutting and spending pledges set out in its last manifesto, while failing to achieve its pledged savings, government borrowing would have to rise.

From BBC

"Simply put, retaining and incentivising Elon is fundamental to Tesla achieving these goals and becoming the most valuable company in history."

From BBC

The former vice president was often interrupted by protesters during campaign events and the uncommitted movement, a progressive protest campaign aimed at achieving a ceasefire, ultimately decided not to endorse her.

From Salon

“And I think what we’ve watched over the years is how she has come to harness her strength, master it and use it to achieve what she wants.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplish 
• attain 
• bring about 
• carry out 
• complete 
• conclude 
• do 
• earn 
• enact 
• end 
• gain 
• manage 
• obtain 
• produce 
• reach 
• realize 
• resolve 
• settle 
• sign 
• solve