/ əˈtʃiːv; NAmE / verb
1.
[ vn ] to succeed in reaching a particular goal, status or standard, especially by making an effort for a long time
SYN attain :
He had finally achieved success.
They could not achieve their target of less than 3% inflation.
2.
[ vn ] to succeed in doing sth or causing sth to happen
SYN accomplish :
I haven't achieved very much today.
All you've achieved is to upset my parents.
3.
[ v ] to be successful :
Their background gives them little chance of achieving at school.
► achiev·able adjective :
Profits of $20m look achievable.
achievable goals
OPP unachievable
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French achever come or bring to a head, from a chief to a head.