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achieve

verb
\ ə-ˈchēv How to pronounce achieve (audio) \
achieved; achieving

Definition of achieve

transitive verb

1 : to carry out successfully : accomplish achieve a gradual increase in production
2 : to get or attain as the result of exertion : reach achieved a high degree of skill achieved greatness

intransitive verb

: to attain a desired end or aim : become successful
Other Words from achieve Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about achieve

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Other Words from achieve

achievable \ -​ˈchÄ“-​vÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce achievable (audio) \ adjective
achiever noun

Synonyms for achieve

Synonyms

attain, bag, chalk up, clock (up) [chiefly British], gain, hit, log, make, notch (up), rack up, ring up, score, win

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Choose the Right Synonym for achieve

perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect. perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill. performed gymnastics execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent. executed the hit-and-run discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks. discharged his duties accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out. accomplished everything they set out to do achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties. achieve greatness effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles. effected sweeping reforms fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities. fulfilled their ambitions

Examples of achieve in a Sentence

a diet that achieves dramatic results With much practice, she has achieved a high level of skill. They achieved high scores on their math tests. We give students the skills they need in order to achieve in college.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 No-kill limits In calling for an end to killing healthy dogs and cats as a means of population control, the former San Antonio mayor cited the city’s success in achieving no-kill status in less than a decade. — Vincent T. Davis, ExpressNews.com, "Former San Antonio mayor’s plans for protecting animals could be ‘game changer’," 3 Sep. 2019 While his parents were hesitant about his choice of career, Richie proved them wrong when The Commodores achieved their first hit record in 1974. — Melody Chiu, PEOPLE.com, "Lionel Richie Tops the Billboard Artist 100 Chart, Followed by Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift," 3 Sep. 2019 The styling team used the Virtue ® Color Kick collection and Virtue ® Restorative Treatment Mask ($66) to achieve the look. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "Only Charlize Theron Can Make a Bowl Cut Look This Chic," 3 Sep. 2019 Each team will have its share of talented runners looking to achieve team and individual success. — La Cañada Valley Sun, "Cross-Country Season Preview: La Cañada aims to challenge top spot in league," 2 Sep. 2019 Nevertheless, the drop in overall U.S. emissions is nearly as large as what was achieved in all of Europe over the past decade (756 million tons). — Robert Bryce, National Review, "Why Climate Action Flopped at the G-7," 26 Aug. 2019 So, if the SMSA was 30 percent minority, each school within the SMSA needed to achieve at least 15 percent minority enrollment. — Michelle Adams, The New Republic, "The Integration Success Stories," 23 Aug. 2019 There is no doubt her status as a fashion designer has been achieved in part both despite and because of her Spice Girls-marinated celebrity. — Vogue, "The Women Designers Who Changed The Way We Dress," 14 Aug. 2019 What’s something The Boyz would like to achieve in the future? — Tamar Herman, Billboard, "The Boyz Are Looking to the Future as a Rising K-Pop Act," 12 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'achieve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of achieve

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for achieve

Middle English acheven, borrowed from Anglo-French achever "to complete, carry out, succeed," from a-, prefix forming telic and transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -chever, verbal derivative from chef, chief "end, head" — more at chief entry 3

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More Definitions for achieve

achieve

verb
How to pronounce achieve (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of achieve

: to get or reach (something) by working hard
: to become successful : to reach a goal

See the full definition for achieve in the English Language Learners Dictionary

achieve

verb
\ ə-ˈchēv How to pronounce achieve (audio) \
achieved; achieving

Kids Definition of achieve

1 : to get by means of hard work She achieved a perfect score.
2 : to become successful Our school provides us with the skills to achieve in college.

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More from Merriam-Webster on achieve

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with achieve

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for achieve

Spanish Central: Translation of achieve

Nglish: Translation of achieve for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of achieve for Arabic Speakers

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