attain

/əˈteɪn/
verbIntermediate
formal

To achieve or accomplish something, especially after effort or difficulty.

The company aims to attain market leadership within the next five years.

The company is striving to become the leading company in its industry.

He attained a high level of proficiency in the language through consistent practice.

He became highly skilled in the language by practicing regularly.

💡

Often used in formal or professional contexts to describe significant achievements.

Collocations

attain a goalachieve a specific objectiveattain successachieve successattain masterybecome highly skilled in something

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

attain enlightenmentphrase
achieve spiritual understanding
attain a milestonephrase
reach an important stage in progress

💡Pro Tip

Formal Usage

Use 'attain' in formal or professional contexts to describe significant achievements.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

'Attain' is more formal than 'achieve' or 'reach'. Use it for significant accomplishments.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'atainen', from Old French 'atenir', from Latin 'attinere' (to reach, touch).

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal or professional contexts to describe significant achievements. Can be used with abstract or concrete goals.

Word Breakdown

at-
to
prefix
+
-tain
hold, touch
root
English Dictionary