attain

1 of 2

verb

at·​tain ə-ˈtān How to pronounce attain (audio)
attained; attaining; attains
Synonyms of attain

transitive verb

1
: to reach as an end : gain, achieve
attain a goal
2
: to come into possession of : obtain
he attained preferment over his fellows
3
: to come to as the end of a progression or course of movement
They attained the top of the hill.
attain a ripe old age

intransitive verb

: to come or arrive by motion, growth, or effort
—usually used with to
will probably attain to a height of six feet
attainability
ə-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce attain (audio)
noun
attainable
ə-ˈtā-nə-bəl How to pronounce attain (audio)
adjective

attainability

2 of 2

noun

at·​tain·​abil·​i·​ty ə-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce attainability (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being attainable

Synonyms of attain

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of attain in a Sentence

Verb a quest to attain enlightenment She refused to let the injury keep her from attaining her goal of being in the Olympics. This kind of tree can attain a height of 20 feet within just a few years. The car can attain a top speed of 200 mph.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Since then, a small group of these highways have attained the status of cultural icon. — Daniel Milowski, The Conversation, 29 June 2026 Walt Hazzard and Gail Goodrich didn’t attain the necessary 75% of votes. — Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 Well before Diana attained princess status, Althorp was a favorite retreat of royals and a variety of politicians from around the world. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 July 2026 Yet the engagement process revealed a real problem that must be addressed if Chicago hopes to attain long-term fiscal sustainability. — Karen Freeman-Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attain

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English atteynen, from Anglo-French ateign-, stem of ateindre to reach, accomplish, convict, from Vulgar Latin *attangere, alteration of Latin attingere, from ad- + tangere to touch — more at tangent entry 2

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attain was in the 14th century

Rhymes for attain

See All Rhymes for attain

Browse Nearby Words

attagirl
attain
attainability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attain. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

attain

verb
at·​tain ə-ˈtān How to pronounce attain (audio)
1
: to reach as a goal : accomplish, achieve
2
: to come to possess : obtain
3
: to arrive at : reach
attain the top of the mountain
—often used with to
attainability
ə-ˌtā-nə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce attain (audio)
noun
attainable
-ˈtā-nə-bəl How to pronounce attain (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on attain

Nglish: Translation of attain for Spanish Speakers

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