# achieved

/əˈtʃivd/ (US) · /ɐtʃˈiːvd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/achieved
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. successfully completed

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

describes a goal or status that has already been reached.

For teachers: describing a state or status that has been attained or accomplished; often used in sociological contexts to describe status earned by merit.

- An achieved goal feels much better than one that was simply given to you.
- Sociologists distinguish between ascribed status, which is inherited at birth, and achieved status, which is earned through individual effort and choice.

Usage: In academic writing, it is frequently contrasted with 'ascribed'.

## Examples

- She finally achieved her goal of becoming a doctor.
- After months of training, the team achieved a record-breaking victory in the final match of the season.
- The diplomat achieved a fragile peace between the two nations, though critics argued that the concessions made to reach the agreement were far too significant.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.