Word
attain
Meanings
to achieve or reach a goal, standard, or result, especially after effort
to reach a particular age, level, or stage
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Definition
To attain something is to succeed in reaching or achieving it after effort.
To attain means to reach a goal, level, or standard, especially after working hard for it. It is often used for results that take time, such as skills, status, or improvements. In formal writing, it can also mean to reach a particular age or stage.
Examples
- I attained the certification only after months of disciplined practice and feedback.
- She attained a level of fluency that made her presentations sound effortless.
- They attained their research targets by refining the method rather than expanding the team.
- The company attained international recognition through consistent quality and clear values.
- He attained the age of eighteen while living abroad and had to adapt quickly to new responsibilities.
Common mistake
Learners often say "attain to" something, but the verb is usually used directly: "attain a goal," not "attain to a goal."
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.