attain

[uh-teyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to reach, achieve, or accomplish; gain; obtain.

   to attain one's goals.

   Synonyms: secure
   Antonyms: miss

2. to come to or arrive at, especially after some labor or tedium; reach.

   to attain the age of 96;

   to attain the mountain peak.

   Antonyms: miss

verb (used without object)

1. to arrive at or succeed in reaching or obtaining something (usually followed by to orunto ).

   to attain to knowledge.

2. to reach in the course of development or growth.

   These trees attain to remarkable height.

attain

/ əˈteɪn /

verb

1. (tr) to achieve or accomplish (a task, goal, aim, etc)

2. (tr) to reach or arrive at in space or time

   to attain old age

3. to arrive (at) with effort or exertion

   to attain to glory

Other Word Forms

• attainability noun
• attainable adjective
• attainer noun
• reattain verb (used with object)
• unattaining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attain¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English atei(g)nen, from Anglo-French, Old French ateign- (stem of ateindre ), from unattested Vulgar Latin attangere (for Latin attingere ), equivalent to Latin at- at- + tangere “to touch”

Word History and Origins

Origin of attain¹

C14: from Old French ateindre, from Latin attingere to reach, from tangere to touch

Synonym Study

See gain ¹.

Example Sentences

When I look at him, I see Roy Cohn’s protégé, a man animated by his life’s mission of attaining unlimited power.

From Salon

These women worked extremely hard to attain their status, because that is what black women do.

From Salon

“A New New Me,” her eighth novel, follows Kinga, a 40-year-old Polish woman who, on the Monday we meet her, becomes a Czech passport holder after having recently attained citizenship.

From Los Angeles Times

The expulsion to Mexico shattered a family that had attained a modicum — perhaps an illusion — of stability in California.

From Los Angeles Times

The level of fame she’s attained might translate to enormous financial success, but it’s also kept Swift frustratingly isolated from the vulnerability in her art.

From Salon

Related Words

• complete 
• earn 
• gain 
• obtain 
• promote 
• reach 
• realize 
• reap 
• secure