attained
- 01 C1 Advanced
v.to succeed in getting or reaching something you have worked for.
v.to succeed in achieving a goal or reaching a specific state, often through sustained effort. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“After years of study, she finally attained the rank of professor.”
In context“The diplomat attained a breakthrough in the negotiations only after several weeks of intensive, behind-the-scenes discussions with both parties.”
UsageOften used with abstract nouns like 'rank', 'status', 'goal', or 'standard'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.describes a goal or level that has already been reached.
adj.having been achieved or reached; used as a participial adjective to describe a realised state or standard.
Simple“The attained results were much higher than the team had expected.”
In context“The report compared the attained proficiency levels of the students against the national benchmarks established the previous year.”
Teacher's tipIn modern English, 'achieved' is more common in general contexts; 'attained' is preferred in academic or official reporting.