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accomplishment

n.
US //əˈkɑmpɫɪʃmənt// UK //ɐkˈɒmplɪʃmənt// ac·com·plish·ment
  1. 1 an achievement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something difficult that you have succeeded in doing.

    the successful completion of a task or the attainment of a significant goal.

    Example

    Finishing the marathon was a huge accomplishment for someone who only started running last year.

    Example

    The successful negotiation of the peace treaty was hailed as a major diplomatic accomplishment for the young administration.
  2. 2 a skill (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a special skill or talent that you have learned, like playing an instrument.

    a refined skill or social grace acquired through education or practice.

    Example

    She has many accomplishments, including being a talented painter and a concert pianist.

    Example

    In the nineteenth century, the ability to speak French and play the harp were considered essential accomplishments for a young woman of status.
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  1. 3 the act of finishing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of finishing a task or reaching a goal.

    the process or act of carrying something out to its conclusion.

    Example

    The accomplishment of our mission took much longer than we first expected.

    Example

    The rapid accomplishment of the project was only possible due to the seamless coordination between the engineering and design departments.
  2. 4 verb aspect (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Academic Science

    a way to describe a verb that has a clear starting point and a natural end.

    the lexical aspect of a predicate that represents a process leading to a logical culmination or terminal point.

    Example

    In grammar, 'drawing a circle' is an accomplishment because it has a clear finish line.

    Example

    Linguists distinguish between activities and accomplishments, noting that the latter inherently includes a telic endpoint within the semantic structure of the verb phrase.

    Usage

    Used in linguistics to categorise verbs like 'build a house' or 'run a mile'.
    • aktionsart
Origin

* First attested in the early 15th century. * (completes, perfects, equips): First attested around 1600. * accomplish + -ment * Borrowed from French accomplissement, from accomplir

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