This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb (present participle/gerund) #49 most common 12 min read

achieving

Top 49

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips achieving in 30 Seconds

Explanation achieving in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'achieving' might be a bit difficult, but you can understand it as a way to say 'doing something well' or 'finishing a goal.' Imagine you are playing a game and you win; that is like achieving a win. Or if you study hard and get a good grade, you are achieving success in school. It is a word for when you work for something and then you get it. You might hear it in simple sentences like 'He is achieving his dream.' Just remember it means getting something good because you worked hard.

For A2 learners, 'achieving' is a useful word to describe progress in your hobbies or daily life. It is the '-ing' form of 'achieve.' You use it when you are in the middle of reaching a goal. For example, if you are learning English and you can finally have a small conversation, you are achieving your goal of speaking English. It is more formal than 'getting' or 'doing.' You will often see it in sentences with 'by,' like 'By studying every day, she is achieving better grades.' It shows that effort leads to a result.

At the B1 level, you should start using 'achieving' to talk about your career, personal development, and more complex goals. It is a key word for describing your skills and accomplishments. You might use it in a job interview to say, 'I am good at achieving my targets on time.' It functions as a gerund (a noun) in sentences like 'Achieving a work-life balance is important.' It implies that the success was not an accident but the result of your planning and hard work. You should also be careful with the spelling: 'i' before 'e'.

B2 learners should use 'achieving' to discuss broader topics like social issues, business strategies, and psychological states. You can use it to describe abstract concepts such as 'achieving stability' or 'achieving consensus.' At this level, you should be comfortable using 'achieving' in various grammatical structures, including participial phrases (e.g., 'Achieving the desired results, the team celebrated'). It is a high-frequency word in professional reports and academic essays. It conveys a sense of competence and purposeful action that is expected at this level of English proficiency.

At the C1 level, 'achieving' is used with precision to describe nuanced outcomes. You might discuss 'achieving a delicate balance' between two competing interests or 'achieving a breakthrough' in a complex scientific field. You should understand the stylistic difference between 'achieving,' 'attaining,' and 'realizing.' For example, 'realizing an ambition' sounds more personal and visionary than 'achieving a goal.' You will encounter 'achieving' in sophisticated texts where it often appears in the passive voice or as part of complex nominalizations. It is a word that denotes high-level agency and successful navigation of challenges.

For C2 speakers, 'achieving' is a versatile tool for expressing complex ideas about human endeavor and systemic progress. You might use it in philosophical discussions about 'achieving self-actualization' or in political analysis regarding 'achieving a lasting peace.' At this level, you are aware of the word's rhythmic properties in a sentence and how it contributes to the overall tone of a piece of writing. You can use it to create sophisticated rhetorical effects, perhaps by contrasting the difficulty of 'achieving' something with the ease of losing it. Mastery of 'achieving' at C2 involves using it naturally in any register, from highly academic to poetically descriptive.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

achieving in 30 Seconds

Achieving is the '-ing' form of achieve, used to describe the ongoing process of reaching a goal or the act of success itself through effort.
It functions as a present participle in continuous tenses (is achieving) or as a gerund acting as a noun (achieving is hard).
Commonly used in professional, academic, and personal growth contexts to highlight progress, competence, and the fulfillment of specific targets or standards.
Requires a direct object in most cases and is spelled with 'ie' following the 'i before e' rule, emphasizing earned success over luck.

The word achieving is a dynamic and multifaceted term that functions as the present participle or gerund of the verb 'achieve.' At its core, it describes the ongoing process of successfully bringing a plan, ambition, or desire to fruition through sustained effort, specific skill sets, or remarkable courage. Unlike the simple past tense 'achieved,' which denotes a completed action, 'achieving' emphasizes the state of progress, the continuity of effort, or the conceptual act of reaching a milestone. People use this word when they want to highlight the journey toward success or the characteristic of being successful in a particular domain.

The Gerund Usage: In this context, 'achieving' acts as a noun. For example, 'Achieving your goals requires discipline.' Here, the focus is on the concept of success itself as a subject of discussion.

The team is currently achieving record-breaking sales numbers this quarter due to their innovative marketing strategy.

In professional environments, 'achieving' is a high-frequency word used to describe performance metrics and key results. It carries a positive connotation of competence and reliability. When a manager speaks about an employee 'achieving' their targets, they are acknowledging both the result and the work ethic involved. It is also common in psychological and self-help contexts, where 'achieving' balance or 'achieving' mindfulness represents a continuous pursuit of personal well-being.

The Present Participle Usage: This describes an action in progress. 'She is achieving great things at her new job' implies that her success is unfolding right now, creating a sense of momentum and excitement.

By achieving a consensus, the committee was finally able to move forward with the urban redevelopment project.

Furthermore, 'achieving' is often paired with abstract nouns like 'greatness,' 'potential,' or 'stability.' It suggests a transformation from a state of potentiality to a state of reality. In academic writing, researchers might discuss 'achieving' statistical significance, which refers to the technical process of proving a hypothesis. In sports, commentators frequently use the word to describe athletes who are 'achieving' their peak performance during critical moments of a game.

The Adjectival Sense: While less common than 'high-achieving,' the word can imply a quality of being productive. An 'achieving' student is one who consistently meets or exceeds expectations.

The difficulty of achieving a perfect score in this exam cannot be overstated, as it requires absolute mastery of the subject.

Many people struggle with achieving a healthy work-life balance in today's fast-paced digital economy.

In summary, 'achieving' is a word of empowerment. It bridges the gap between the start of a journey and its successful conclusion. Whether used in a business report, a motivational speech, or a casual conversation about personal milestones, it carries the weight of effort and the satisfaction of victory. It is a word that celebrates the human capacity to set targets and hit them, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in the way.

Using 'achieving' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility as both a verb form and a noun form. When used as a present participle, it often follows a form of the verb 'to be' to create continuous tenses, or it follows a preposition to describe the method by which something is done. When used as a gerund, it can serve as the subject or object of a sentence, focusing on the act of success itself.

Continuous Tense Patterns: The most common structure is [Subject] + [be] + achieving + [Object]. This emphasizes that the success is happening right now or over a period of time. Example: 'They are achieving great results.'

After years of research, the scientists are finally achieving the breakthroughs they once thought were impossible.

Another powerful way to use 'achieving' is after prepositions like 'by,' 'through,' or 'without.' This structure explains the 'how' of a situation. For instance, 'By achieving a high score, he earned a scholarship.' This highlights the causal relationship between the act of achieving and the resulting benefit. It is a concise way to link actions to outcomes in both formal and informal writing.

Gerund as Subject: When 'achieving' starts a sentence, it acts as the noun representing the whole concept. Example: 'Achieving financial independence is a common goal for young professionals.'

She is dedicated to achieving her full potential as a concert pianist through rigorous daily practice.

In more complex sentences, 'achieving' can be part of a participial phrase that modifies the rest of the sentence. For example: 'Achieving his goal early, he decided to take a long vacation.' In this case, the phrase 'Achieving his goal early' provides background information or a reason for the main action of the sentence. This is a sophisticated way to vary your sentence structure and show advanced proficiency in English.

Negative Constructions: You can use 'not achieving' to describe a lack of progress. Example: 'The company is not achieving its quarterly targets, leading to a review of operations.'

Without achieving a basic level of proficiency in the local language, navigating the city can be quite challenging.

The government is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050 through green energy initiatives.

Finally, consider the emotional tone you want to set. 'Achieving' is a strong, active word. It implies agency and control. When you say someone is 'achieving,' you are giving them credit for their success. This makes it an excellent choice for performance reviews, recommendation letters, and motivational content where the goal is to highlight positive attributes and successful outcomes.

The word 'achieving' is a staple in various professional and social environments. Its versatility makes it suitable for high-stakes corporate boardrooms, academic settings, and even casual conversations about personal growth. Understanding where you are likely to encounter this word will help you grasp its nuances and use it more naturally in your own speech and writing.

Corporate and Business Settings: In business, 'achieving' is almost synonymous with 'performing.' You will hear it in quarterly earnings calls, performance reviews, and strategic planning meetings. Phrases like 'achieving growth,' 'achieving efficiency,' and 'achieving market dominance' are common.

'Our focus this year is on achieving sustainable profitability while expanding our footprint in emerging markets,' the CEO announced.

In the world of sports and athletics, 'achieving' is used to describe the pinnacle of physical and mental performance. Coaches talk about 'achieving' a flow state, and commentators highlight athletes who are 'achieving' personal bests. It emphasizes the discipline and training that go into a single moment of victory. You might hear a commentator say, 'He is achieving a level of consistency we haven't seen in years.'

Academic and Educational Contexts: Teachers and professors use 'achieving' to discuss student progress and learning outcomes. It is often found in syllabus objectives, such as 'Students will be capable of achieving a deep understanding of quantum mechanics by the end of the semester.'

The university is committed to achieving excellence in both teaching and research across all its faculties.

In the self-improvement and wellness industry, 'achieving' is a buzzword. Podcasts, books, and seminars are filled with advice on 'achieving' happiness, 'achieving' financial freedom, or 'achieving' inner peace. Here, the word is used to inspire and motivate, framing success as a reachable destination for anyone willing to put in the work. It transforms abstract desires into concrete, achievable goals.

Political and Social Discourse: Politicians use the word to describe their policy goals and the progress of the nation. They might speak about 'achieving' social justice, 'achieving' economic stability, or 'achieving' peace through diplomacy.

The global community is far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations for 2030.

By achieving a compromise, the two parties were able to avoid a government shutdown at the last minute.

Whether you are watching a TED talk, reading a news article, or listening to a friend talk about their new fitness regime, 'achieving' is the word that signals progress and accomplishment. It is a universal term for the human drive to improve and succeed, making it one of the most useful words in the English language for describing positive change and the fulfillment of objectives.

While 'achieving' is a common word, it is also one that learners and even native speakers frequently misuse. These mistakes usually fall into three categories: spelling, grammar, and word choice. Understanding these common pitfalls will help you use the word with greater precision and confidence.

Spelling: The 'I before E' Rule: One of the most frequent errors is spelling it as 'acheiving.' Remember the classic English rule: 'I before E, except after C.' Since there is no 'C' before the 'IE' in 'achieving,' the 'I' comes first. Also, remember to drop the 'e' from 'achieve' before adding '-ing.'

Incorrect: He is acheiving his goals.
Correct: He is achieving his goals.

Another common mistake is using 'achieving' when 'reaching' or 'getting' would be more appropriate. 'Achieving' implies effort and skill. You wouldn't say you are 'achieving' the bus station; you are 'reaching' it. Similarly, you don't 'achieve' a cold; you 'catch' one. Use 'achieving' for milestones, goals, and standards that require work.

Confusing Gerunds and Participles: Sometimes speakers forget that as a gerund, 'achieving' needs to follow specific grammar rules. For example, after certain verbs like 'enjoy' or 'consider,' you must use the '-ing' form. 'He considered achieving the goal,' not 'He considered to achieve the goal.'

Incorrect: The company is achieving.
Correct: The company is achieving its targets.

There is also a tendency to over-formalize. In very casual settings, 'achieving' can sound a bit stiff. If you are just talking about finishing a simple task, like washing the dishes, saying 'I am achieving my goal of a clean kitchen' might sound sarcastic or overly dramatic. In these cases, 'finishing' or 'doing' is much more natural.

Preposition Pitfalls: Learners sometimes use the wrong preposition before 'achieving.' It is 'committed to achieving,' not 'committed for achieving.' It is 'success in achieving,' not 'success at achieving' (though the latter is occasionally heard, 'in' is more standard).

Incorrect: They have a plan for achieve success.
Correct: They have a plan for achieving success.

Many students find achieving a balance between study and social life to be the hardest part of university.

By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you can avoid the most frequent errors associated with 'achieving.' Focus on the 'ie' spelling, ensure you have a direct object, and use the word in contexts that imply genuine effort and meaningful results. This will make your English sound more precise and professional.

While 'achieving' is a powerful word, using it repeatedly can make your writing feel repetitive. Fortunately, English offers several synonyms and alternatives, each with its own subtle nuance. Choosing the right one depends on the context and the specific type of success you are describing.

Attaining vs. Achieving: 'Attaining' is often used for reaching a specific state, level, or status. You 'attain' a rank or 'attain' a certain age. It sounds slightly more formal than 'achieving' and often refers to long-term goals.

She is close to attaining the level of Senior Partner at her law firm.

'Accomplishing' is another great alternative. It focuses more on the completion of a specific task or mission. If 'achieving' is about the result, 'accomplishing' is about the work done to get there. You 'accomplish' a task, while you 'achieve' a goal. Both are positive, but 'accomplishing' feels more industrious.

Realizing vs. Achieving: 'Realizing' is used when a dream, hope, or potential becomes a reality. It has a more visionary or emotional tone. 'Realizing her potential' sounds more profound than simply 'achieving her potential.'

The company is fulfilling its promise to customers by delivering the new product on time.

'Fulfilling' is often used with words like 'requirements,' 'duties,' or 'expectations.' It implies meeting a standard that has been set by someone else or by a contract. 'Executing' is a more technical term, often used in business or military contexts to describe the carrying out of a plan. 'Executing the strategy' is a more active way of saying 'achieving the strategy's goals.'

Obtaining vs. Achieving: 'Obtaining' is best for physical objects or information. You 'obtain' a permit or 'obtain' data. It doesn't necessarily imply the same level of pride or struggle as 'achieving.'

By securing the funding, the team ensured the project could continue for another year.

The athlete is surpassing all expectations with her performance this season.

Finally, 'surpassing' is a great word when the success goes beyond what was expected. If someone was expected to achieve a 'B' but got an 'A+', they are 'surpassing' their goals. Using these varied terms will not only improve your vocabulary but also allow you to express the specific nature of an accomplishment with much greater clarity.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Because 'achieve' comes from the word for 'head' (chef), it is distantly related to words like 'captain,' 'capital,' and even 'chef' (the head of a kitchen). All these words share the root idea of being at the top or the end of something.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əˈtʃiːvɪŋ/

US /əˈtʃivɪŋ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: a-CHIEV-ing.

Rhymes With

believing deceiving perceiving relieving retrieving weaving leaving heaving

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first 'a' too strongly like 'ay'.
Shortening the long 'ee' sound in the middle.
Dropping the final 'g' sound (achievin').
Putting the stress on the first syllable (A-chieving).
Mispronouncing the 'ch' as a 'sh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context but requires understanding of the '-ing' form's role.

Writing 4/5

Spelling (ie) and correct preposition use (committed to) can be tricky.

Speaking 3/5

Common in professional speech; stress must be on the second syllable.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear, though the weak first syllable can be missed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

achieve goal success work result

Learn Next

attainment accomplishment milestone proficiency consensus

Advanced

self-actualization paradigm shift equanimity transcendence synthesis

Grammar to Know

Gerunds as Subjects

Achieving your goals is a great feeling.

Present Participle for Continuous Action

They are achieving more than ever before.

Preposition + Gerund

He is interested in achieving better results.

Participial Phrases

Achieving the target early, the team took a break.

Spelling: Dropping the 'e'

Achieve + ing = Achieving (not achieveing).

Examples by Level

He is achieving his goal of running every day.

Il atteint son objectif de courir chaque jour.

Present continuous tense showing an ongoing action.

Achieving a good grade makes me happy.

Obtenir une bonne note me rend heureux.

Gerund used as the subject of the sentence.

They are achieving success in their small business.

Ils réussissent dans leur petite entreprise.

Present continuous with a direct object 'success'.

She is achieving her dream of becoming a doctor.

Elle réalise son rêve de devenir médecin.

Present continuous describing a long-term process.

By practicing, you are achieving more every day.

En pratiquant, vous accomplissez plus chaque jour.

Prepositional phrase 'By practicing' followed by the main clause.

Is he achieving what he wanted?

Est-ce qu'il obtient ce qu'il voulait ?

Interrogative form of the present continuous.

Achieving a win is great for the team.

Décrocher une victoire est formidable pour l'équipe.

Gerund phrase acting as a noun.

We are achieving our targets this month.

Nous atteignons nos objectifs ce mois-ci.

Present continuous used for current progress.

She is achieving better results by studying harder.

Elle obtient de meilleurs résultats en étudiant plus dur.

Shows the method (by studying) for the achievement.

Achieving a healthy lifestyle takes time.

Adopter un mode de vie sain prend du temps.

Gerund subject followed by a singular verb 'takes'.

The company is achieving its goals for the year.

L'entreprise atteint ses objectifs pour l'année.

Present continuous with a possessive adjective 'its'.

He is achieving fame as a young artist.

Il gagne en célébrité en tant que jeune artiste.

Present continuous with 'as' to show the role.

Are you achieving your fitness goals?

Atteignez-vous vos objectifs de remise en forme ?

Question form in the present continuous.

Achieving a high score in the game was difficult.

Obtenir un score élevé dans le jeu était difficile.

Gerund phrase used as the subject of a past tense sentence.

They are achieving more than they expected.

Ils accomplissent plus que ce qu'ils attendaient.

Comparative structure with 'more than'.

By working together, we are achieving our mission.

En travaillant ensemble, nous accomplissons notre mission.

Emphasis on teamwork as the means of achieving.

Achieving a work-life balance is a priority for many employees.

Atteindre un équilibre entre vie professionnelle et vie privée est une priorité.

Gerund phrase as a complex subject.

The team is achieving great things through collaboration.

L'équipe accomplit de grandes choses grâce à la collaboration.

Present continuous with a prepositional phrase 'through collaboration'.

She is dedicated to achieving excellence in her field.

Elle se consacre à l'excellence dans son domaine.

'To' is a preposition here, so it is followed by the gerund 'achieving'.

Achieving financial stability requires careful planning.

Atteindre la stabilité financière nécessite une planification minutieuse.

Gerund subject with an abstract object 'financial stability'.

We are achieving our sales targets despite the competition.

Nous atteignons nos objectifs de vente malgré la concurrence.

Use of 'despite' to show contrast with the achievement.

Is the government achieving its promises to the public?

Le gouvernement tient-il ses promesses envers le public ?

Interrogative form focusing on political goals.

Achieving a consensus among the board members was crucial.

Parvenir à un consensus parmi les membres du conseil était crucial.

Gerund phrase as the subject of a past tense sentence.

He is achieving a lot of progress in his recovery.

Il fait beaucoup de progrès dans son rétablissement.

Present continuous with 'a lot of progress'.

Achieving sustainable growth is the primary focus of the new strategy.

Atteindre une croissance durable est l'objectif principal de la nouvelle stratégie.

Gerund subject in a formal business context.

The project is achieving its milestones ahead of schedule.

Le projet atteint ses étapes clés en avance sur le calendrier.

Present continuous with the idiom 'ahead of schedule'.

By achieving a breakthrough in battery technology, they changed the industry.

En réalisant une percée dans la technologie des batteries, ils ont changé l'industrie.

Participial phrase showing the cause of a major change.

Achieving a sense of belonging is vital for mental health.

Atteindre un sentiment d'appartenance est vital pour la santé mentale.

Gerund subject with a psychological object.

They are achieving significant improvements in efficiency.

Ils réalisent des améliorations significatives en matière d'efficacité.

Present continuous with 'significant' as a modifier.

Achieving the impossible requires a unique mindset.

Accomplir l'impossible nécessite un état d'esprit unique.

Gerund subject with 'the impossible' as the object.

Is she achieving the recognition she deserves?

Obtient-elle la reconnaissance qu'elle mérite ?

Interrogative form with a relative clause 'she deserves'.

Achieving a balance between speed and quality is difficult.

Atteindre un équilibre entre rapidité et qualité est difficile.

Gerund phrase with a 'between A and B' structure.

Achieving a nuanced understanding of the text requires multiple readings.

Parvenir à une compréhension nuancée du texte nécessite plusieurs lectures.

Gerund subject with a sophisticated academic object.

The diplomat is achieving a fragile peace in the region.

Le diplomate instaure une paix fragile dans la région.

Present continuous with 'fragile' to add nuance.

Achieving self-actualization is a lifelong journey for many.

Atteindre la réalisation de soi est le voyage d'une vie pour beaucoup.

Gerund subject in a philosophical/psychological context.

By achieving statistical significance, the study proved the hypothesis.

En atteignant une signification statistique, l'étude a prouvé l'hypothèse.

Participial phrase using technical academic terminology.

The artist is achieving a synthesis of traditional and modern styles.

L'artiste réalise une synthèse des styles traditionnels et modernes.

Present continuous describing a creative process.

Achieving a competitive advantage is essential in a globalized market.

Obtenir un avantage concurrentiel est essentiel dans un marché mondialisé.

Gerund subject in a high-level business context.

She is achieving a level of mastery that few can match.

Elle atteint un niveau de maîtrise que peu peuvent égaler.

Present continuous with a restrictive relative clause.

Achieving the desired outcome was contingent on several factors.

L'obtention du résultat souhaité dépendait de plusieurs facteurs.

Gerund phrase as subject with 'contingent on' structure.

Achieving a state of total equanimity amidst chaos is a rare feat.

Atteindre un état d'équanimité totale au milieu du chaos est un exploit rare.

Gerund subject with advanced vocabulary like 'equanimity'.

The administration is achieving a paradigm shift in environmental policy.

L'administration réalise un changement de paradigme dans la politique environnementale.

Present continuous with the academic term 'paradigm shift'.

Achieving the sublime in literature requires more than just technical skill.

Atteindre le sublime en littérature exige plus que de simples compétences techniques.

Gerund subject referring to an abstract aesthetic concept.

By achieving a delicate equilibrium, the ecosystem began to thrive again.

En atteignant un équilibre délicat, l'écosystème a recommencé à prospérer.

Participial phrase describing a complex natural process.

The philosopher argued that achieving true freedom is a paradox.

Le philosophe a soutenu que l'obtention de la vraie liberté est un paradoxe.

Gerund as the subject of a subordinate clause.

Achieving a consensus on such a contentious issue was a monumental task.

Parvenir à un consensus sur une question aussi litigieuse était une tâche monumentale.

Gerund phrase with multiple modifiers.

The musician is achieving a profound resonance with her audience.

La musicienne atteint une résonance profonde avec son public.

Present continuous describing an emotional/artistic connection.

Achieving transcendence through art is a recurring theme in his work.

Atteindre la transcendance par l'art est un thème récurrent dans son œuvre.

Gerund subject in a high-level critical analysis.

Common Collocations

achieving success

achieving goals

achieving balance

achieving targets

achieving greatness

achieving consensus

achieving results

achieving potential

achieving stability

achieving a breakthrough

Common Phrases

close to achieving

— Almost reaching a goal. It indicates that the final result is near.

We are close to achieving our fundraising target.

difficulty in achieving

— Finding it hard to reach a goal. It highlights the obstacles faced.

He had great difficulty in achieving his father's approval.

committed to achieving

— Dedicated and determined to reach a goal. It shows strong intent.

The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions.

success in achieving

— The state of having reached a goal. It focuses on the positive outcome.

Their success in achieving the merger was unexpected.

means of achieving

— The method or way used to reach a goal. It explains the 'how'.

Education is the best means of achieving social mobility.

way of achieving

— A specific strategy or path to success. Similar to 'means of achieving'.

Is there a faster way of achieving these results?

process of achieving

— The steps and time taken to reach a goal. It emphasizes the journey.

The process of achieving peace is often long and difficult.

capable of achieving

— Having the ability or skill to reach a goal. It describes potential.

You are capable of achieving much more than you think.

struggle with achieving

— Having a hard time reaching a goal. It implies a lack of ease.

Many struggle with achieving a healthy diet.

aimed at achieving

— Designed or intended to reach a specific goal. It shows purpose.

The new laws are aimed at achieving better safety standards.

Often Confused With

achieving vs reaching

Reaching is for physical places or numbers; achieving is for goals requiring effort.

achieving vs getting

Getting is very informal and doesn't imply the same level of hard work as achieving.

achieving vs winning

Winning is about a competition; achieving is about a personal or professional goal.

Idioms & Expressions

"achieving the impossible"

— Doing something that everyone thought could not be done. It highlights extreme success.

By winning the championship, they were achieving the impossible.

inspirational

"achieving a level playing field"

— Creating a situation where everyone has the same opportunities. It is common in social justice.

The policy is aimed at achieving a level playing field for all students.

political

"achieving a milestone"

— Reaching a very important stage in a process or life. It marks significant progress.

The company is achieving a milestone with its 100th store opening.

business

"achieving a state of grace"

— Reaching a condition of spiritual or moral beauty. It is often used in literature.

In the novel, the protagonist is achieving a state of grace through suffering.

literary

"achieving a breakthrough"

— Making a sudden and important discovery or development. It implies overcoming a barrier.

The researchers are achieving a breakthrough in solar energy.

scientific

"achieving a meeting of minds"

— Reaching a total agreement or understanding between people. It is common in negotiations.

After hours of talk, they were finally achieving a meeting of minds.

professional

"achieving a balance of power"

— Reaching a state where no single person or group has too much control.

The treaty was focused on achieving a balance of power in Europe.

political

"achieving one's heart's desire"

— Getting exactly what one wants most in life. It is very emotional and personal.

By moving to the countryside, she was achieving her heart's desire.

poetic

"achieving a clean sweep"

— Winning every prize or game in a competition. It denotes total dominance.

The team is achieving a clean sweep in the regional tournaments.

sports

"achieving a new high"

— Reaching a level of success or value that has never been reached before.

The stock market is achieving a new high this week.

economic

Easily Confused

achieving vs Attaining

Both mean reaching a goal.

Attaining is more formal and often used for status or specific levels (attaining a rank). Achieving is more general for any result of effort.

He is achieving his goals and attaining a high rank in the army.

achieving vs Accomplishing

Both refer to finishing something.

Accomplishing focuses on the task itself (accomplishing a mission). Achieving focuses on the result or milestone (achieving a goal).

By accomplishing the daily tasks, she is achieving her long-term vision.

achieving vs Realizing

Both can mean making something happen.

Realizing is used for dreams or potential becoming real. Achieving is more about hitting a target.

He is achieving his sales targets and realizing his dream of owning a home.

achieving vs Obtaining

Both mean getting something.

Obtaining is for physical things or information (obtaining a passport). Achieving is for non-physical successes.

After obtaining the permit, they started achieving their construction goals.

achieving vs Fulfilling

Both mean completing something.

Fulfilling is used for duties, promises, or requirements. Achieving is for ambitions and goals.

She is fulfilling her promise by achieving the project's objectives.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + is + achieving + [simple noun]

He is achieving his dream.

By + [verb]-ing, Subject + is + achieving + [noun]

By studying, she is achieving better grades.

Achieving + [noun phrase] + is + [adjective]

Achieving a balance is important.

Subject + is + committed to + achieving + [noun]

We are committed to achieving success.

Participial phrase + , + Main Clause

Achieving a breakthrough, the scientists celebrated.

Subject + is + achieving + [abstract noun] + through + [method]

The artist is achieving resonance through her work.

Achieving + [complex noun] + remains + [adjective phrase]

Achieving a lasting peace remains a monumental challenge.

It is + [adjective] + that + [gerund phrase] + is + [noun]

It is clear that achieving transcendence is his goal.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in business, academic, and self-help literature.

Common Mistakes

acheiving → achieving
This is a spelling error. The rule is 'i before e' except after 'c'. Since there is no 'c', the 'i' comes first.
achieveing → achieving
You must drop the silent 'e' at the end of 'achieve' before adding the '-ing' suffix.
He is achieving to his goals. → He is achieving his goals.
'Achieve' is a transitive verb and does not need the preposition 'to' before its object.
I am achieving the bus station. → I am reaching the bus station.
'Achieving' is for goals and milestones, not physical locations. Use 'reaching' for places.
The company is achieving. → The company is achieving its targets.
'Achieving' usually requires a direct object to tell the reader what exactly is being achieved.

Tips

Gerund Subject

Use 'achieving' at the start of a sentence to make the act of success the main topic. For example: 'Achieving a goal is satisfying.'

The 'E' Rule

Always remove the silent 'e' from 'achieve' before adding '-ing'. This is a standard rule for verbs ending in 'e'.

Earned Success

Use 'achieving' specifically when you want to emphasize that the success was earned through hard work, not just luck.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'achieving' in one sentence, try 'attaining' or 'realizing' in the next to keep your writing varied and interesting.

Resume Power

On a resume, use 'achieving' to describe ongoing responsibilities or 'achieved' for past results. It shows you are results-oriented.

The Schwa Sound

The first 'a' is very soft. Don't say 'AY-chieving'; say 'uh-CHIEV-ing' for a more natural English flow.

Abstract Nouns

Pair 'achieving' with abstract nouns like 'peace,' 'harmony,' or 'potential' for a more sophisticated and thoughtful tone.

Participial Phrases

Use 'achieving' in a phrase at the start of a sentence to provide a reason: 'Achieving the target early, we went home.'

Key Results

In meetings, listen for 'achieving' followed by numbers or percentages. This usually indicates the most important part of the report.

Chief Achiever

Remember 'CHIEV' like 'CHIEF'. A chief is a leader who is always achieving great things for their people.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

To remember the spelling, think: 'I' want to 'Achieve' 'I'm' 'E'ager. The 'I' comes before the 'E'. Also, 'Achieving' has 'CHIEV' which sounds like 'Chief'—and a chief is someone who achieves things.

Visual Association

Imagine a person climbing a mountain. They are not at the top yet, but they are 'achieving' the climb. Each step up represents the '-ing' process.

Word Web

Goal Effort Success Progress Skill Milestone Ambition Result

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your week: one using 'achieving' as a subject, one as a verb in progress, and one after the word 'by'.

Word Origin

The word 'achieving' comes from the verb 'achieve,' which entered Middle English from the Old French word 'achever.' This French word was a combination of 'a-' (to) and 'chef' (head), literally meaning 'to bring to a head' or 'to bring to an end.'

Original meaning: The original sense was to finish a task or to bring something to a successful conclusion, metaphorically reaching the 'head' or top of a project.

Indo-European (Latin -> Old French -> Middle English).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'achieving' to describe people with disabilities or different life paths; avoid implying that those who don't meet traditional 'achieving' standards are less valuable.

In the US and UK, 'high-achieving' is a common adjective for students or professionals who are very successful.

The book 'Achieving Our Country' by Richard Rorty. Motivational speakers like Tony Robbins often focus on 'achieving' your peak state. The phrase 'Achieving the Dream' is a common slogan in educational non-profits.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Performance

achieving targets
achieving growth
achieving efficiency
achieving a merger

Academic Success

achieving grades
achieving a degree
achieving understanding
achieving excellence

Personal Growth

achieving balance
achieving happiness
achieving potential
achieving fitness

Social/Political Change

achieving peace
achieving justice
achieving consensus
achieving equality

Scientific Progress

achieving a breakthrough
achieving significance
achieving stability
achieving a result

Conversation Starters

"What is one major goal you are currently achieving in your personal life?"

"Do you think achieving success is more about luck or hard work?"

"How do you feel when you are close to achieving something you've worked for?"

"What are the biggest obstacles people face when achieving their dreams?"

"Is achieving a perfect work-life balance actually possible in today's world?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time when achieving a goal felt different than you expected. Was it satisfying?

Write about the steps you are taking toward achieving your most important long-term ambition.

How does the act of achieving something small every day affect your overall mood and productivity?

Describe a person you admire for achieving great things despite facing significant challenges.

What does 'achieving happiness' mean to you personally? Is it a destination or a process?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! As a present participle (verb), it shows action: 'He is achieving his goals.' As a gerund (noun), it acts as a subject or object: 'Achieving success takes time.' Both uses are very common in English.

The correct spelling is A-C-H-I-E-V-I-N-G. Remember to drop the 'e' from 'achieve' and follow the 'i before e' rule. A common mistake is to write 'acheiving,' but the 'i' must come first.

Use 'reaching' for physical destinations (reaching London) or simple numbers (reaching 50%). Use 'achieving' for goals that require effort, skill, or courage (achieving a dream, achieving a breakthrough).

It usually sounds incomplete. Unlike 'succeeding,' 'achieving' is a transitive verb form, meaning it needs an object. Instead of 'I am achieving,' say 'I am achieving my goals' or 'I am achieving success.'

Yes, it is more formal than 'getting' or 'doing.' It is a great word to use in business reports, academic essays, and job interviews to sound professional and competent.

Common phrases include 'achieving success,' 'achieving goals,' 'achieving balance,' and 'achieving targets.' These are the most natural ways to use the word in daily and professional English.

While 'achieving' itself is rarely an adjective, it is often part of compound adjectives like 'high-achieving' or 'over-achieving.' These describe people who are very successful or work very hard.

Usually, 'achieving' is followed directly by an object. However, it often follows prepositions like 'by' (by achieving), 'to' (committed to achieving), or 'in' (success in achieving).

It is rare. You might see 'Success is being achieved,' but it is much more common and stronger to use the active voice: 'The team is achieving success.'

In business, 'attaining,' 'reaching,' and 'accomplishing' are excellent synonyms. 'Attaining targets' or 'accomplishing objectives' are very common professional alternatives.