Achievement vs. Attainment — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 28, 2023
Achievement refers to the successful completion of a task, goal, or endeavor, showcasing one's abilities or efforts. Attainment is the act of reaching or acquiring something, often a goal, skill, or level of success, through effort or action.
Difference Between Achievement and Attainment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Achievement is a term that denotes the successful accomplishment or completion of a task, goal, or endeavor. It often implies a sense of accomplishment and recognition of one's efforts or abilities. Attainment, on the other hand, refers to the act of reaching or acquiring something, typically a goal, skill, or level of success, through effort or action. Attainment is a broader term that encompasses a variety of accomplishments, including achievements.
In summary, achievements represent specific successful outcomes or accomplishments, while attainment encompasses the broader idea of reaching or acquiring various goals, skills, or levels of success through effort.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Successful completion of a task or goal
Act of reaching or acquiring something
Nature
Often implies recognition or accomplishment
Encompasses various goals and skills
Examples
Winning a competition, earning a degree
Reaching a level of proficiency, acquiring knowledge
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Personal Growth
Represents personal and professional milestones
Reflects progress and skill acquisition
Validation
May involve public recognition or awards
May not necessarily involve recognition
Compare with Definitions
Achievement
Achievements showcase an individual's skills and abilities.
Publishing a book is a notable achievement for a writer.
Attainment
Attainment can refer to acquiring proficiency in a particular skill.
Her attainment of musical excellence was evident in her performance.
Achievement
It often implies recognition and acknowledges one's efforts.
His academic achievements earned him scholarships.
Attainment
It reflects personal growth and progress.
Continual learning leads to the attainment of new knowledge.
Achievement
Achievement is the successful completion of a task or goal.
Winning the championship was a significant achievement.
Attainment
Attainment is the act of reaching or acquiring goals or skills.
His attainment of fluency in multiple languages is impressive.
Achievement
Achievements serve as milestones in personal and professional life.
Graduating from college is a major life achievement.
Attainment
It indicates progress in various aspects of life.
Financial stability is an important attainment for many.
Achievement
A thing done successfully with effort, skill, or courage
To reach this stage is a great achievement
Attainment
The act of attaining or the condition of being attained.
Achievement
The process or fact of achieving something
The achievement of professional recognition
A sense of achievement
Assessing ability in terms of academic achievement
Attainment
Something, such as an accomplishment or achievement, that is attained.
Achievement
A representation of a coat of arms with all the adjuncts to which a bearer of arms is entitled.
Attainment
The act of attaining; the act of arriving at or reaching; the act of obtaining by exertion or effort.
My attainment of proficiency in German was due to years upon years of study.
Achievement
The process of achieving something
She devoted her life to the achievement of voting rights for women.
Attainment
That which is attained, or obtained by exertion.
Achievement
Something that has been achieved, especially by means of skill or perseverance
The discovery of antibiotics is one of the great achievements of modern medicine.
Attainment
The act of attaining; the act of arriving at or reaching; hence, the act of obtaining by efforts.
The attainment of every desired object.
Achievement
The act of achieving or performing; a successful performance; accomplishment.
Attainment
That which is attained to, or obtained by exertion; acquirement; acquisition; (pl.), mental acquirements; knowledge; as, literary and scientific attainments.
Achievement
A great or heroic deed or feat; something accomplished by valor or boldness.
Attainment
The act of achieving an aim;
The attainment of independence
Achievement
(heraldry) An escutcheon or ensign armorial; a full display or depiction of all the heraldic components to which the bearer of a coat of arms is entitled; a funeral shield: the hatchment.
Attainment
Arrival at a new stage;
His attainment of puberty was delayed by malnutrition
Achievement
(video games) An award for completing a particular task or meeting an objective in a video game.
Finishing the game does not give you a 100% score until you have unlocked all of the achievements.
Attainment
An ability that has been acquired by training
Achievement
The lexical aspect (aktionsart) of verbs or predicates that change in an instant.
Attainment
Attainment includes reaching personal and professional goals.
The attainment of a leadership position required dedication.
Achievement
(sociology) The successful completion of a socially defined goal or task, highlighting individual or group accomplishment.
Achievement
The act of achieving or performing; an obtaining by exertion; successful performance; accomplishment; as, the achievement of his object.
Achievement
A great or heroic deed; something accomplished by valor, boldness, or praiseworthy exertion; a feat.
[The exploits] of the ancient saints . . . do far surpass the most famous achievements of pagan heroes.
The highest achievements of the human intellect.
Achievement
An escutcheon or ensign armorial; now generally applied to the funeral shield commonly called hatchment.
Achievement
The action of accomplishing something
Achievement
Achievements bring a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction.
Completing a marathon was a fulfilling achievement.
Common Curiosities
What does "achievement" mean?
Achievement refers to the successful completion of a task, goal, or endeavor, often implying recognition and accomplishment.
What is the significance of achievements in one's life?
Achievements serve as milestones, showcasing skills, dedication, and personal growth.
Can achievements be personal or professional?
Yes, achievements can encompass personal milestones like running a marathon or professional accomplishments like receiving an award.
Is attainment limited to personal goals?
No, attainment can encompass personal goals, skills, knowledge, and professional success.
Do all achievements receive public recognition?
No, not all achievements receive public recognition, but they hold personal value.
How does attainment differ from achievement?
Attainment is a broader term that includes various accomplishments, while achievement specifically denotes successful task or goal completion.
Give an example of a significant achievement.
Winning a gold medal in the Olympics is considered a significant achievement.
Give an example of a significant attainment.
Attaining a high level of proficiency in a musical instrument can be a significant personal attainment.
What does "attainment" mean?
Attainment refers to the act of reaching or acquiring something, often goals, skills, or levels of success, through effort.
Can personal growth be considered an attainment?
Yes, personal growth and skill acquisition are types of attainment.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
