Verb B1 — Intermediate /əˈtʃiːv/

Achieve — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

To reach a goal through effort and determination — one of the most motivating verbs in English.

Quick Definition

To achieve means to successfully reach a goal or complete something you have been working towards, especially through effort, skill, or perseverance.

What Does Achieve Mean?

Achieve comes from Old French achever, meaning "to bring to a head" or "to complete". It implies not just doing something, but doing it successfully after putting in genuine effort. You do not achieve something by accident — achievement requires intention and work.

The word is commonly used in educational and professional contexts: "achieve your goals", "achieve a distinction", "achieve success". It is often paired with nouns like success, results, aims, and ambitions. The related noun is achievement, and the person who achieves is an achiever.

A common ESL mistake is confusing achieve with reach or get. While you can "reach a destination" or "get a result", achieve specifically suggests effort, difficulty, and success. It carries a more positive and impressive connotation than neutral alternatives.

Example Sentences

SentenceUsage note
She worked hard to achieve her dream of studying abroad.achieve + noun phrase
The team achieved excellent results in the national competition.achieve results
You can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.motivational use

Synonyms

accomplishattainreachfulfilrealisesucceed incomplete

Antonyms

failfall shortmissabandongive up

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

I hope to achieve my goal someday.

Correct — well done! Common error: 'I hope to achieve to my goal' (no preposition needed after achieve).

Related Vocabulary

All Common Words → Grammar Glossary Vocabulary Hub Flash Cards

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Vocabulary Quiz Hangman

Frequently Asked Questions about “achieve”

What does achieve mean?
Achieve means to successfully complete or reach a goal, usually through effort and hard work. If you achieve something, you have worked for it and succeeded. Example: 'She achieved a high score on her English exam after months of study.'
Is achieve a verb?
Yes, achieve is a verb. It is a regular verb: achieve, achieved, achieved. The related noun is achievement (the thing you have achieved) and achiever (a person who achieves things). The adjective is achievable (possible to achieve).
What is the difference between achieve and accomplish?
Both mean to successfully complete something. Achieve tends to be used for longer-term goals that require sustained effort ('achieve a qualification'), while accomplish often refers to completing a specific task ('accomplish a mission'). They are frequently interchangeable in practice.
How do you use achieve in a sentence?
Use achieve followed by a noun: 'achieve your goals', 'achieve success', 'achieve a result'. You can also use 'achieve + gerund' in some contexts: 'She achieved getting the highest grade.' Avoid 'achieve to do' — that is not standard English.
What is the noun form of achieve?
The noun form is achievement. 'Completing the marathon was a huge achievement.' The plural (achievements) is used to list specific things someone has done: 'List your achievements on your CV.'
What does high achiever mean?
A high achiever is someone who consistently reaches excellent results in school, work, or other areas of life. High achievers are typically motivated, persistent, and goal-oriented. The term is used in education, psychology, and professional development.
What is the difference between achieve and succeed?
Succeed means to have a good outcome, often used without a specific object: 'She succeeded.' Achieve requires an object — you achieve something specific: 'She achieved her target.' Succeed is broader; achieve is more precise about what was accomplished.
Can I say 'achieve a target'?
Yes, 'achieve a target' is perfectly natural and very common in business and educational English. Other common collocations: achieve a goal, achieve an aim, achieve a result, achieve success, achieve recognition, achieve a balance.
What is the origin of the word achieve?
Achieve comes from Old French 'achever' (to bring to a head) from 'a chef' (to a head or end). The sense of reaching a conclusion through effort has been part of the word since it entered English in the 14th century.
How can I practise using achieve in English?
LexFizz's Flash Cards include goal-related vocabulary like achieve. Try the Complete the Sentence exercise to see achieve used in motivational and academic contexts. Writing short personal goals using 'I want to achieve...' is also an effective practice technique.