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C1 adjective #3,000 most common 7 min read

attain

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips attain in 30 Seconds

Explanation attain in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'attain' is a very difficult word. You can think of it as a fancy way to say 'get' or 'reach'. Imagine you are playing a game and you want to get to level 10. If you get to level 10, you 'attain' level 10. It is usually used for big goals, not small things like getting an apple. Most A1 students will use 'get' or 'reach' instead. You might hear it in a very formal sentence about a person's age. For example, 'When he is 18' is A1, but 'When he attains 18' is very formal and means the same thing. It is better to focus on simpler words first, but remember that 'attain' means reaching a goal after working hard.

For A2 learners, 'attain' starts to appear in more specific contexts, especially in reading. You might see it in stories about people who work hard to reach a goal. Think of it as 'reaching a high level'. If you practice a lot and become a good singer, you attain a high level of skill. It is different from 'get' because 'get' can be easy, but 'attain' usually means you had to try hard. You might use it when talking about your future goals. Instead of saying 'I want to reach my goal,' you could say 'I want to attain my goal' to sound more serious. It is a good word to know for tests, even if you don't say it every day.

At the B1 level, you should begin to recognize 'attain' as a formal synonym for 'achieve' or 'reach'. It is often used in the context of education and careers. For example, 'She worked hard to attain her degree.' This implies that the degree was a significant milestone that required effort over time. You should also notice it used with 'attainable'. If a goal is 'attainable', it means you can actually reach it. B1 students can use 'attain' in their writing to make it sound more professional. It is particularly useful when writing about personal achievements or long-term plans. Remember that it doesn't need a preposition like 'to' or 'at' after it.

B2 learners should be comfortable using 'attain' in various professional and academic contexts. It is a key word for describing measurable success. You will see it in business reports ('attain a target') and social sciences ('attain a status'). At this level, you should also understand the nuance between 'attain' and its synonyms. 'Attain' suggests reaching a specific point on a scale or a high standard. It is often used with abstract nouns like 'proficiency', 'maturity', or 'independence'. When you use 'attain', you are signaling to the listener that the achievement was not simple or accidental. It is a hallmark of a more advanced vocabulary and helps in achieving a more formal tone in essays.

At the C1 level, 'attain' is a standard part of your academic and professional lexicon. You should use it with precision to describe the reaching of high-level states, such as 'attaining enlightenment', 'attaining peak performance', or 'attaining economic stability'. You understand that 'attain' is a transitive verb that often takes complex objects. You are also aware of its use in legal and formal English, such as 'attaining the age of majority'. At this stage, you should be able to use the word to vary your vocabulary and avoid overusing 'reach' or 'achieve'. You can also use the noun form 'attainment' to discuss educational standards or personal accomplishments in a sophisticated way.

For C2 speakers, 'attain' is used with complete mastery of its stylistic implications. You might use it in philosophical discourse to describe the 'attainment of the sublime' or in highly technical scientific papers to describe 'attaining equilibrium'. You are sensitive to the word's ability to elevate a sentence's register. You can use it in the passive voice to focus on the goal itself ('A level of excellence was attained that had never been seen before'). You also recognize its presence in historical texts and literature, where it often carries a sense of noble or spiritual pursuit. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, using 'attain' to provide exactness and gravitas to your communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

attain in 30 Seconds

Attain is a formal verb used to describe reaching a goal, level, or age through significant effort or development.
It is often used in professional, academic, and legal contexts to denote successful completion or threshold crossing.
Commonly paired with abstract nouns like 'proficiency', 'success', 'status', or 'maturity' to show a high standard.
Unlike 'get' or 'obtain', it emphasizes the process and the difficulty of the achievement being described.

The word attain is a sophisticated verb primarily used to describe the successful completion of a goal or the reaching of a specific state, level, or age. While often used interchangeably with 'achieve' or 'reach', it carries a nuance of significant effort, long-term persistence, or the crossing of a specific threshold. In professional and academic settings, it implies a standard of excellence or a measurable milestone. For instance, one might attain a degree, a level of mastery, or a position of authority. It is less about the momentary act of getting something and more about the culmination of a process. Understanding its usage requires recognizing that it often pairs with abstract nouns like 'perfection', 'enlightenment', or 'stature'.

Objective Achievement: This refers to reaching a quantifiable goal, such as a sales target or a specific academic grade.
Personal Growth: Attaining a state of mind, such as peace or maturity, through internal development.
Physical Thresholds: Reaching a specific physical state, like attaining a height of six feet or attaining the age of majority.

After years of rigorous training, the athlete finally managed to attain her dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.

In business contexts, 'attain' is frequently seen in performance reviews and mission statements. It suggests a strategic approach to success. For example, 'The company aims to attain market leadership within five years.' This usage signals that the goal is not accidental but the result of deliberate planning. Similarly, in legal and formal documents, 'attaining the age of 21' is a standard way to describe reaching legal adulthood. The word elevates the tone of the sentence, making it sound more authoritative and precise than 'getting' or 'getting to'.

Few individuals attain such a high level of proficiency in multiple languages simultaneously.

Social Status: Attaining a position of prominence or respect within a community or profession.

Using 'attain' correctly involves matching it with the right level of formality and the right type of object. Because it is a C1-level word, it fits best in academic essays, professional reports, and literary works. It is rarely used in casual conversation where 'get' or 'reach' would be more natural. When constructing a sentence, place 'attain' after the subject and before the goal being reached. For example: 'The researchers hope to attain consistent results across all trials.' This highlights the pursuit of a specific standard.

Active Voice: The student worked hard to attain the highest honors in her class.
Passive Voice: A state of total relaxation can be attained through daily meditation and focus.

To attain sustainable growth, the startup focused on customer retention rather than just acquisition.

One common pattern is using 'attain' with 'level' or 'degree'. Phrases like 'attain a high level of expertise' or 'attain a degree of certainty' are standard. It is also frequently used in the context of reaching a certain age. Instead of saying 'When he becomes 18,' a formal document might say 'Upon attaining the age of eighteen.' This adds a layer of legal or formal weight to the statement. It is also important to note that 'attain' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

The mountain peak is difficult to attain during the winter months due to the harsh weather conditions.

You are most likely to encounter 'attain' in environments where goals and standards are explicitly discussed. In the corporate world, it appears in annual reports, strategic plans, and performance metrics. Executives use it to describe the company's trajectory and aspirations. In academia, professors and researchers use it to describe the achievement of specific results or the reaching of a theoretical threshold. It is also a staple in self-help and philosophical literature, often referring to the 'attainment of happiness' or 'attaining enlightenment'.

The keynote speaker discussed how to attain a work-life balance in an increasingly digital world.

News Media: Journalists use it to describe political candidates attaining a certain percentage of votes or countries attaining economic stability.
Legal Documents: Used to specify when certain rights are granted, such as 'attaining the age of majority'.

In sports broadcasting, commentators might use 'attain' when a player reaches a historic milestone, such as 'attaining 500 career goals'. It adds a sense of grandeur to the achievement. In the world of video games, 'attaining' a high rank or a rare item is common terminology in guides and community discussions. Despite its formal nature, it finds its way into any niche where there is a clear ladder of progression or a difficult summit to reach.

He worked tirelessly to attain the rank of Grandmaster in the local chess club.

One of the most frequent mistakes with 'attain' is using it for simple, everyday actions. For instance, saying 'I attained a cup of coffee' sounds unnatural and overly dramatic. 'Attain' should be reserved for things that require effort or represent a significant milestone. Another common error is confusing it with 'obtain'. While 'obtain' means simply to get something (like a permit or information), 'attain' emphasizes the process of reaching a goal or level. You obtain a passport, but you attain a level of fluency.

Preposition Overuse: Avoid saying 'attain to a goal'. The correct form is 'attain a goal'.
Confusion with 'Reach': While 'reach' can be used for physical distances (reach the door), 'attain' is rarely used for simple physical movement unless it's a difficult summit.

Incorrect: She attained to the top of the stairs. Correct: She reached the top of the stairs.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'attain' with 'attend'. 'Attend' means to be present at an event (like a meeting), whereas 'attain' means to achieve something. This is usually just a spelling or pronunciation slip. Furthermore, ensure the object of 'attain' is something that can be achieved or reached. You cannot 'attain a person', but you can 'attain a person's respect'. The focus should always be on the result of an effort or the reaching of a standard.

Incorrect: The company attained many new employees. Correct: The company hired many new employees.

Understanding the synonyms of 'attain' helps in choosing the right word for the right context. 'Achieve' is the most common alternative, used for reaching goals through work. 'Reach' is more versatile, covering both physical distance and abstract goals. 'Acquire' is used for gaining skills or possessions. 'Realize' is often used for making a dream or potential a reality. Each has a slightly different flavor that can change the impact of your sentence.

Attain vs. Achieve: 'Attain' is more formal and often refers to a specific level or state. 'Achieve' focuses more on the action of finishing a task.
Attain vs. Reach: 'Reach' is more common and can be used for physical locations. 'Attain' is reserved for significant accomplishments.
Attain vs. Obtain: 'Obtain' is about getting something tangible (a permit). 'Attain' is about reaching an intangible goal or level.

While she easily obtained the necessary permits, it took years to attain the respect of her peers.

In academic writing, 'attain' is often preferred because it sounds more precise. For example, 'attaining statistical significance' is a standard phrase in research. In contrast, 'getting statistical significance' would be seen as too informal. 'Fulfill' is another alternative, but it is usually reserved for duties, requirements, or prophecies. Choosing 'attain' suggests a climb or a progression toward a high-value end point.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'attain' is related to 'tangible' and 'tactile' because they all come from the Latin root for 'touch'. When you attain something, you are figuratively 'touching' your goal.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əˈteɪn/

US /əˈteɪn/

The stress is on the second syllable: at-TAIN.

Rhymes With

obtain retain maintain sustain explain remain complain refrain

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first 'a' like 'apple' instead of a schwa /ə/.
Confusing it with 'attend' and adding a 'd' sound at the end.
Failing to stress the second syllable correctly.
Pronouncing it like 'obtain' with an 'o' sound.
Making the 't' sound too soft.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in formal texts and literature, requiring a good vocabulary base.

Writing 5/5

Requires understanding of register and collocation to use correctly without sounding awkward.

Speaking 5/5

Rarely used in casual speech; mostly used in professional presentations or formal debates.

Listening 4/5

Recognizable in formal speeches, news, and academic lectures.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

reach get goal work try

Learn Next

acquire accomplish proficiency milestone status

Advanced

zenith culmination epitome manifest realize

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs

Attain requires an object: 'He attained (what?) success.'

Passive Voice

Used to emphasize the achievement: 'The goal was finally attained.'

Infinitive of Purpose

Used to show why an action is done: 'He studied to attain a degree.'

Gerunds after Prepositions

Used after 'upon' or 'after': 'Upon attaining the age of 21...'

Adjective Suffix -able

Adding -able makes 'attainable', meaning capable of being reached.

Examples by Level

He wants to attain his goal of finishing the race.

He wants to reach his goal.

Subject + verb + object.

She will attain the age of ten tomorrow.

She will be ten years old.

Future tense with 'will'.

It is hard to attain the top of the hill.

It is hard to reach the top.

'It is' + adjective + infinitive.

I hope to attain a good grade.

I hope to get a good grade.

'Hope to' + verb.

Can you attain that height?

Can you reach that high?

Question form with 'can'.

The bird can attain a fast speed.

The bird can go very fast.

Modal verb 'can' + base form.

We work to attain our dreams.

We work to reach our dreams.

Present simple tense.

Did he attain the prize?

Did he get the prize?

Past simple question.

She studied every day to attain a high score.

She studied to reach a high score.

Infinitive of purpose.

They hope to attain success in their new business.

They hope to be successful.

Verb + infinitive.

The tree can attain a height of 20 meters.

The tree can grow to 20 meters.

Describing physical limits.

He worked hard to attain his driver's license.

He worked hard to get his license.

Past tense 'worked'.

Is it possible to attain this level of skill?

Can I reach this skill level?

Formal question structure.

The team tried to attain a better position in the league.

The team tried to get a better rank.

Past tense 'tried'.

You must work hard to attain your goals.

You have to work hard to reach goals.

Modal 'must' for necessity.

She managed to attain a place at the university.

She got into the university.

'Managed to' + base form.

After years of practice, he finally attained fluency in Spanish.

He reached a level where he speaks Spanish well.

Using 'attain' for skill levels.

The company is striving to attain its environmental targets.

The company is trying to reach its green goals.

Present continuous for ongoing effort.

It is important to set goals that are realistic and attainable.

Set goals that you can actually reach.

Using the adjective form 'attainable'.

She was able to attain a leadership role within the organization.

She reached a high position at work.

'Was able to' + base form.

The athlete attained a personal best time in the marathon.

The runner reached their fastest time ever.

Past simple for specific achievements.

Many people seek to attain financial independence by age fifty.

People want to be financially free.

'Seek to' + base form.

The project failed to attain the desired results.

The project didn't reach its goals.

'Failed to' + base form.

They are working together to attain a common objective.

They are working for the same goal.

Present continuous.

The nation struggled to attain economic stability after the crisis.

The country tried to reach a stable economy.

Using 'attain' with abstract nouns.

He attained a degree of fame that he was not prepared for.

He became more famous than he expected.

Relative clause starting with 'that'.

To attain a high level of proficiency, one must practice consistently.

To get very good, you must practice.

Infinitive phrase as a sentence starter.

The treaty helped the two countries attain a lasting peace.

The treaty led to long-term peace.

Verb + object + noun phrase.

She has attained a position of great influence in the tech industry.

She has reached a powerful job.

Present perfect tense.

The car can attain speeds of over 200 miles per hour.

The car can go faster than 200 mph.

Describing technical capabilities.

It took several decades for the movement to attain its objectives.

The group took a long time to reach its goals.

'It took... for... to...' structure.

Few people attain such a deep understanding of quantum physics.

Not many people understand it that well.

Using 'few' to indicate rarity.

The spiritual leader spoke about the path to attain inner peace.

He talked about how to reach peace inside.

Gerund phrase or infinitive use.

The researchers were unable to attain statistical significance in their study.

The data wasn't strong enough to prove the point.

Academic context usage.

Having attained the rank of colonel, he retired from the military.

After reaching the rank of colonel...

Perfect participle phrase.

The organization works to help marginalized groups attain their rights.

They help people get the rights they deserve.

Transitive verb with abstract object.

It is a level of excellence that few artists ever attain.

Most artists never reach this quality.

Object relative clause.

Upon attaining the age of twenty-one, she inherited the family estate.

When she became 21...

Prepositional phrase with gerund.

The company's primary goal is to attain market dominance by next year.

They want to be the top company.

Infinitive as a subject complement.

He spent his whole life trying to attain the perfect balance between work and family.

He tried to balance his life perfectly.

Present participle phrase.

The philosopher argued that true happiness is attained only through self-knowledge.

Happiness comes from knowing yourself.

Passive voice for general truths.

The system must attain equilibrium before the next phase of the experiment can begin.

The system needs to be balanced first.

Scientific/Technical usage.

The prose attains a level of lyrical beauty rarely found in modern fiction.

The writing is exceptionally beautiful.

Describing aesthetic quality.

He sought to attain the sublime through his music, transcending ordinary experience.

He wanted to reach a higher state of beauty.

Literary/Philosophical context.

The civilization attained its zenith during the fourteenth century.

The culture was at its strongest then.

Using 'zenith' as an object.

The challenge is to attain sustainable development without sacrificing economic growth.

We need to grow while being green.

Infinitive phrase as a subject.

The diplomat worked tirelessly to attain a consensus among the warring factions.

He tried to get everyone to agree.

Formal political usage.

Such mastery of the craft is only attained after decades of dedicated study.

You only get this good after many years.

Passive voice with 'only' for emphasis.

Synonyms

achieve reach accomplish acquire realize obtain

Antonyms

fail forfeit lose

Common Collocations

attain a goal

attain a level

attain the age of

attain success

attain status

attain independence

attain proficiency

attain results

attain maturity

attain a rank

Common Phrases

attain greatness

— To achieve a high level of fame or excellence.

History remembers those who attain greatness through sacrifice.

attain enlightenment

— To reach a state of spiritual understanding.

Many monks spend their lives trying to attain enlightenment.

attain a target

— To reach a specific goal or number.

The sales team managed to attain their target for the quarter.

attain a height

— To reach a specific physical height.

The mountains attain a height of over 4,000 meters.

attain a speed

— To reach a specific velocity.

The jet can attain a speed of Mach 2.

attain a degree

— To complete a university education.

She moved to London to attain a degree in economics.

attain a standard

— To reach a required level of quality.

The product must attain a high standard of safety.

attain a consensus

— To reach an agreement among a group.

The committee struggled to attain a consensus on the new budget.

attain a position

— To reach a specific job or social rank.

He worked for years to attain a position on the board.

attain equilibrium

— To reach a state of balance.

The chemical reaction will eventually attain equilibrium.

Often Confused With

attain vs Obtain

Obtain means to get a physical object or permission; attain means to reach a goal or level.

attain vs Attend

Attend means to go to an event; attain means to achieve something. They sound similar but are very different.

attain vs Achieve

Achieve is more general; attain is more formal and often refers to reaching a specific point on a scale.

Idioms & Expressions

"attain the impossible"

— To achieve something that seemed completely out of reach.

With enough determination, one can attain the impossible.

Literary

"attain a ripe old age"

— To live for a very long time.

My grandfather attained a ripe old age of ninety-five.

Neutral

"attain the heights of"

— To reach the peak of a particular field or emotion.

She attained the heights of her profession early in life.

Literary

"attain the status of"

— To be recognized as something specific.

The book has attained the status of a modern classic.

Formal

"attain one's ends"

— To achieve one's personal goals or desires, sometimes through any means.

He was willing to do anything to attain his ends.

Formal/Literary

"attain a state of grace"

— To reach a state of spiritual purity or calm.

The monk seemed to have attained a state of grace.

Religious/Literary

"attain perfection"

— To reach a state where no flaws exist.

In art, it is almost impossible to truly attain perfection.

Neutral/Formal

"attain a foothold"

— To achieve a secure starting position in a new area.

The company struggled to attain a foothold in the Asian market.

Business

"attain the crown"

— To become a monarch or to win a top championship.

The young prince finally attained the crown after his father's death.

Historical/Literary

"attain mastery"

— To gain complete control or skill in something.

It takes 10,000 hours to attain mastery in any field.

Neutral/Formal

Easily Confused

attain vs Obtain

Both mean 'getting' something.

Obtain is for tangible things (a book, a permit). Attain is for intangible goals or levels (success, proficiency).

You obtain a ticket, but you attain a goal.

attain vs Reach

Both involve arriving at a point.

Reach is used for physical distances and simple goals. Attain is for difficult, long-term, or high-level goals.

Reach the door vs. attain enlightenment.

attain vs Attend

Similar spelling and sound.

Attend is a verb meaning 'to be present at'. Attain is a verb meaning 'to achieve'.

Attend a meeting vs. attain a rank.

attain vs Acquire

Both involve gaining something.

Acquire is often about the process of getting (knowledge, a habit). Attain is about the final result of reaching a standard.

Acquire a language vs. attain fluency.

attain vs Fulfill

Both relate to completion.

Fulfill is about meeting requirements or satisfying a need. Attain is about the successful reach of an ambition.

Fulfill a promise vs. attain a dream.

Sentence Patterns

I want to attain [goal].

I want to attain a good score.

It is hard to attain [level].

It is hard to attain fluency.

She worked hard to attain [object].

She worked hard to attain her license.

The company aims to attain [target].

The company aims to attain market leadership.

Upon attaining [age/state], [clause].

Upon attaining maturity, the bird migrates.

Few people attain [high standard].

Few people attain such mastery.

True [noun] is attained through [process].

True wisdom is attained through experience.

[Object] was attained after [time/effort].

A consensus was attained after hours of debate.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written English, less common in spoken English.

Common Mistakes

I attained a new car. → I bought a new car.
Attain is for goals and levels, not physical purchases.
She attained to the top of the mountain. → She reached the top of the mountain.
Attain does not need the preposition 'to'.
I will attend my goal. → I will attain my goal.
Attend means to go to an event; attain means to achieve.
He attained 18 years old. → He attained the age of 18.
The correct formal phrase is 'attained the age of'.
The goal is not attain. → The goal is not attainable.
Use the adjective form 'attainable' to describe a goal.

Tips

Use with Abstract Nouns

Attain works best with words like success, proficiency, and independence. It makes your writing sound more academic.

No Prepositions

Remember not to put 'to' after 'attain'. Just say 'attain the goal'.

Attain vs. Obtain

Use 'obtain' for things you can hold and 'attain' for things you can achieve.

Formal Contexts

Use 'attain' in job applications and formal letters to show a high level of English proficiency.

The 'End' Rule

Think of 'attain' as reaching the 'end' of a long journey or effort.

Common Pairs

Learn the phrase 'attain a high level of...' as it is used in many different subjects.

Stress the End

Always put the emphasis on 'TAIN'. This helps distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.

Vary Your Verbs

If you have already used 'achieve' in a paragraph, switch to 'attain' to keep your writing interesting.

Research Results

In science, use 'attain' when talking about reaching a specific value or state like 'equilibrium'.

Age Milestones

When writing about legal rights, use 'attain the age of' for a formal and correct tone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

To at-TAIN, you must main-TAIN your effort until you reach the end of the TRAIN (your goal).

Visual Association

Imagine a person reaching the top of a high mountain peak and touching a flag. The effort of the climb is 'attaining' the summit.

Word Web

goal effort success level reach skill age status

Challenge

Try to use 'attain' in a sentence about a long-term hobby you have. Then, use 'attainable' to describe your next goal for that hobby.

Word Origin

From Middle English 'attainen', which comes from Old French 'ateindre'. This, in turn, is derived from the Latin 'attingere'.

Original meaning: The Latin 'attingere' means 'to touch' or 'to reach' (from ad- 'to' + tangere 'to touch').

Indo-European (Latin branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'attain' when talking about people as if they are objects; you attain a relationship's depth, not the person themselves.

In English-speaking countries, 'attaining the age of 21' is a major cultural milestone, often associated with full legal rights and adult responsibilities.

The Declaration of Independence (pursuit of happiness) Buddhist teachings on attaining Nirvana The Great Gatsby (attaining social status)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic

attain a degree
attain scholarship
attain high grades
attain proficiency

Business

attain a target
attain market share
attain leadership
attain growth

Legal

attain the age of majority
attain citizenship
attain rights
attain a settlement

Spiritual

attain enlightenment
attain peace
attain wisdom
attain a state of grace

Sports

attain a record
attain a rank
attain peak fitness
attain a victory

Conversation Starters

"What is one major goal you hope to attain in the next five years?"

"Do you think it's possible for everyone to attain a work-life balance?"

"What level of English proficiency do you want to attain?"

"How does one attain a position of respect in your culture?"

"Is attaining happiness a constant process or a final destination?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time you worked hard to attain something. What was the most difficult part of the process?

Describe a goal that currently feels unattainable. What steps could make it more attainable?

In your opinion, what are the most important things for a person to attain in their lifetime?

Write about a person you admire who has attained great success. What qualities helped them?

How has your definition of 'attaining success' changed as you have gotten older?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. Use 'obtain' or 'get' for physical items. 'Attain' is for goals, levels, or ages. You don't 'attain' a sandwich.

They are similar, but 'attain' is more formal and implies more effort. You can reach the kitchen, but you attain a level of mastery.

Yes, it is common in formal writing. For example: 'A high level of success was attained by the team.'

'Attain' is the verb (the action), while 'attainment' is the noun (the thing achieved). Example: 'He attained (verb) a high level of educational attainment (noun).'

No, 'attain' is a transitive verb. You 'attain a goal', not 'attain to a goal'.

No, you cannot achieve a person. You can attain a person's trust or respect, which are abstract goals.

Yes, 'attainable' is very common in goal-setting contexts (like SMART goals) to mean something that is realistic to achieve.

It is pronounced /əˈteɪn/. The stress is on the second syllable, and the first syllable is a very short 'uh' sound.

Yes, it is very common in business for targets, market shares, and strategic goals.

In the context of age, it means 'to reach'. 'Attaining 21' means reaching the age of 21.