English Reference
noun

accomplishment

n.
US /əˈkɑmpɫɪʃmənt/ UK /ɐkˈɒmplɪʃmənt/ ac·com·plish·ment UK spelling accomplishment's, accomplishment's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    something difficult that you have succeeded in doing.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The successful negotiation of the peace treaty was hailed as a major diplomatic accomplishment for the young administration.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    In the nineteenth century, the ability to speak French and play the harp were considered essential accomplishments for a young woman of status.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of finishing a task or reaching a goal.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The rapid accomplishment of the project was only possible due to the seamless coordination between the engineering and design departments.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency TechnicalAcademic 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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

This lack of accountability is grossly unfair on the many academics who report honestly on their accomplishments and do excellent work without resorting to such tactics.

The Guardian· 7 Aug 2026

Arday claimed to have completed 30 marathons in 35 days, to have run 600 miles in six days, and to have raised £5m (sometimes more) for charity, accomplishments he altered on questioning.

The Guardian· 7 Aug 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French accomplissement
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated