# attainment

/əˈteɪnmənt/ (US) · /ɐtˈeɪnmənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/attainment
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the act of achieving something difficult or important. It can also mean the level of success or skill someone has reached.

For teachers: the act of achieving a goal or reaching a specific standard. Often refers to educational or professional success reached through sustained effort.

## Examples

- The school celebrates the high attainment of its students.
- The government is introducing new measures to improve the educational attainment of children from low-income families.
- While natural talent plays a role, the attainment of true mastery in any discipline requires thousands of hours of deliberate practice and consistent feedback.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general process of achieving; countable when referring to specific accomplishments or skills.

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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.