Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈteɪn.mənt/
KK: /əˈteɪn.mənt/
Definition
An accomplishment or achievement that someone has reached or obtained.
Example
Her attainment of a college degree was a proud moment for her family.
Conversation

Have you thought about your goals for this year?

Yeah, I really want to focus on my personal attainment of skills.

That's a great mindset! What skills are you looking to attain?

I'm thinking about learning a new language and improving my cooking.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
achievement
accomplishment
realization
Root Explanation
Attainment is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "tenere" (meaning to hold). The word describes the act of holding or achieving something, particularly a goal or an objective.
Memory Tip
Think of 'holding' ('tenere') something you have 'reached' ('ad-') — that's why attainment means achieving or reaching a goal.
Visually Confused Words
unattainment
reattainment
nonattainment
abstainment
taintment
attingent
maintainment
rationment