attain
v.v. to succeed in getting or reaching something after a lot of effort. You use this when you talk about reaching a goal, a specific age, or a high level of skill.
v. to succeed in achieving something; to reach a specified state, level, or condition. Transitive — requires a direct object, typically an abstract noun representing a goal or milestone.
She worked hard to attain her goals.
After years of dedicated practice, the musician finally managed to attain a professional level of mastery.
The diplomat spent decades in public service before he could finally attain the rank of ambassador, a position that required both political skill and immense patience.
From Middle English atteynen, from Anglo-Norman ataindre, from Old French, from Latin attingō. Doublet of attainder and attinge.
The verb is transitive and typically takes abstract objects like 'goals', 'standards', or 'status'.
attain to a goalattain a goalThe verb is transitive and should not be followed by the preposition 'to' when expressing the achievement of a goal.