achieve

achieve

verb \ə-ˈchēv\

achievedachiev·ing

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

— achiev·able \-ˈchē-və-bəl\ adjective

— achiev·er noun

Examples of ACHIEVE

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

Origin of ACHIEVE

Middle English acheven, from Anglo-French achever to finish, from a- (from Latin ad-) + chef end, head — more at chief

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ACHIEVE

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

Related Words: acquire, capture, carry, draw, garner, get, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure; amount (to), approach, equal, match, measure up (to), meet, rival, tie, touch; beat, excel, outdo, surpass, top

Near Antonyms: fall short (of), miss; fail (at); lose

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at perform

Rhymes with ACHIEVE

Abib, aggrieve, believe, bereave, cap sleeve, conceive, deceive, French leave, frost heave, Hoccleve, inweave, khedive, motive, naive, perceive, pet peeve, plain weave, qui vive, receive, relieve, reprieve, retrieve, shirtsleeve, shore leave, sick leave, unreeve, unweave, upheave