achieve
/əˈtʃiːv/verb★Intermediate
general
To succeed in doing or accomplishing something, especially after much effort or difficulty.
She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
He finally achieved his goal of running a marathon.
💡
Often used with goals, targets, or objectives.
Collocations
achieve successto succeed in a significant wayachieve a goalto reach or complete a specific objectiveachieve resultsto produce or attain desired outcomes
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
achieve one's potentialphrase
to reach the highest level of ability or performance
achieve a breakthroughphrase
to make a significant or sudden advance
💡Pro Tip
Common Collocations
Use 'achieve' with nouns like 'success,' 'goal,' or 'results' for natural phrasing.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Redundancy
Do not use 'achieve' with words like 'succeed' or 'win' in the same sentence, as they are often redundant.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'acheven' (to bring to an end), from Old French 'achever' (to finish), from Latin 'caput' (head) via Vulgar Latin 'capitare' (to come to an end).
📝Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal and informal contexts, often with nouns like 'success,' 'goal,' or 'results.'
Word Breakdown
achieve
to succeed in doing something
root✎ Noted on May 2, 2026EN → EN