Award vs. Achievement — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 6, 2024
An award is a recognition given for excellence, while achievement is a personal or collective accomplishment.
Difference Between Award and Achievement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An award is a tangible acknowledgment or prize given to individuals or groups for their excellence, skill, or superiority in a specific field or activity. It's often presented during a ceremony or through a formal declaration, symbolizing recognition from others. Awards can take various forms, such as trophies, titles, certificates, or monetary gifts. On the other hand, an achievement refers to the successful completion of an endeavor or the attainment of a goal through effort, skill, or courage. Achievements are milestones or accomplishments that hold personal or collective significance, regardless of external recognition.
Awards are typically bestowed by organizations, institutions, or peer groups and are based on criteria set by the awarding body. They serve as a form of external validation for the recipient's efforts or talents. Achievements, however, are recognized based on personal or collective standards and may not necessarily involve external validation. For instance, graduating from college, completing a marathon, or reaching a personal goal are considered achievements.
While receiving an award is an achievement in itself, not all achievements are recognized with awards. Achievements can range from personal milestones, like learning a new skill, to significant contributions to society, such as innovations or humanitarian efforts, which may or may not be formally acknowledged with an award.
The value of an award lies in the recognition and honor it bestows upon the recipient, often enhancing their reputation or credibility in their field. Achievements, however, derive their value from personal satisfaction, growth, and the fulfillment of objectives. The pursuit of achievements can be motivated by personal aspirations, dedication, and the intrinsic desire to overcome challenges.
Both awards and achievements play crucial roles in personal development and societal progress. Awards can motivate individuals and organizations to strive for excellence, while achievements reflect personal growth, resilience, and the successful realization of goals.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Recognition given for excellence
Successful completion of a goal
Source
Bestowed by external entities
Result of personal or collective effort
Recognition
Formal and public
Can be personal or public
Form
Trophies, titles, certificates
Milestones, personal goals
Value
Honor and reputation
Personal satisfaction and growth
Compare with Definitions
Award
Often involves formal recognition.
The award ceremony was held at the city hall.
Achievement
Value lies in personal growth.
Her achievement in mastering a new language was fulfilling.
Award
Criteria set by awarding body.
The criteria for the award include innovation and impact.
Achievement
Reflects personal or collective effort.
Their achievement in the competition was remarkable.
Award
Symbolizes external validation.
The community service award validated her years of dedication.
Achievement
Can be personal milestones.
Learning to play the guitar was a significant achievement.
Award
A prize given for excellence.
She received an award for her groundbreaking research.
Achievement
Not dependent on external recognition.
His achievement of sobriety was privately celebrated.
Award
Can enhance professional credibility.
Winning the design award boosted his career.
Achievement
Successful attainment of a goal.
Completing the marathon was a major achievement for him.
Award
An award, sometimes called a distinction, is something given to a recipient as a token of recognition of excellence in a certain field. When the token is a medal, ribbon or other item designed for wearing, it is known as a decoration.
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.
Award
Something awarded or granted, as for merit.
Achievement
The act of achieving or performing; a successful performance; accomplishment.
Award
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
Achievement
A thing done successfully with effort, skill, or courage
To reach this stage is a great achievement
Award
Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery;
The prize was a free trip to Europe
Achievement
The process or fact of achieving something
The achievement of professional recognition
A sense of achievement
Assessing ability in terms of academic achievement
Award
Give, especially as a reward;
Bestow honors and prizes at graduation
Achievement
The process of achieving something
She devoted her life to the achievement of voting rights for women.
Award
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
Achievement
The action of accomplishing something
Common Curiosities
What motivates people to pursue awards?
Motivations can include the desire for external validation, professional advancement, or recognition from peers and institutions.
Can achievements be shared or collective?
Yes, achievements can be collective, such as team victories or collaborative projects, reflecting the combined effort of a group.
Is every award considered an achievement?
Yes, receiving an award is considered an achievement as it recognizes excellence or superiority in a specific area.
How do achievements contribute to personal development?
Achievements contribute to personal growth, self-confidence, and the development of skills and resilience.
How should one measure personal achievements?
Personal achievements should be measured by individual growth, the challenges overcome, and the fulfillment of personal goals, rather than external standards.
Can an achievement be recognized without an award?
Absolutely, many achievements are personal milestones or accomplishments that do not require formal recognition to be valued.
Are achievements always recognized publicly?
No, many achievements are personal triumphs recognized and celebrated privately or within a close circle.
Why are awards important in professional fields?
Awards can enhance an individual's reputation, provide networking opportunities, and serve as a benchmark of excellence within a profession.
Can the pursuit of awards be detrimental?
When overly focused on external validation, the pursuit of awards can overshadow personal satisfaction and the intrinsic value of achievements.
How do societies benefit from individual achievements?
Individual achievements can inspire others, contribute to societal progress, and foster a culture of striving for excellence and innovation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
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.
