accomplishment - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
accomplishment Word Meanings
- something that has been achieved successfully
- the act of completing something
- a skill or talent acquired through effort
accomplishment Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
accomplishment Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt/
US
/əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənt/
accomplishment Word Etymology
accomplishment = accomplish + -ment; (Latin ad- = to + complere = fill up) → Old French acomplir → English. Imagine a trophy representing the 'fullness' of success in achieving a goal.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the handle and start to move the lighter pieces, watching as the shape shifts under my hands. I adjust and push here, pull there, letting the work change with each careful turn. When the last piece slots into place and I hold still for a moment, the room seems to breathe with effort kept and progress kept. It isn’t a rule book moment; it’s the quiet sense of accomplishment blooming as something real appears.
Real Context
Accomplishment is a positive label for something you have achieved through effort, often marking a milestone rather than a single act. It can refer to a completed task (the act of finishing) or to a skill or proficiency gained over time. In everyday English, 'an accomplishment' is a countable noun when you want to name a specific achievement, while 'accomplishment' can also speak more generally about success earned through persistence. Learners sometimes confuse it with 'achievement' or conflate finishing with genuine mastery; the nuance often appears in contexts like personal growth, projects, or public recognition. The tone is proud, reflective, and forward-looking.
Usage Reminders
- - Use accomplishment for specific, notable results.
- - Reserve achievement for broader or formal goals.
- - Pair with adjectives like personal, major, or significant.
- - Use 'an accomplishment' in the singular for a clear example.
- - Don’t overstate a small, routine task as an accomplishment.
Common Misconceptions
- Accomplishment means any success, even small or quick tasks.
- It is always about finishing a task, not about gaining skill.
- Achievement and accomplishment are identical in every context.
- Accomplishment cannot be used for personal growth or long-term goals.
- You should always use 'accomplishment' for negative or failed outcomes.
Thinking Differences
English speakers tend to distinguish between finishing a task and building lasting skills; accomplishment often carries a sense of milestone and pride, while 'achievement' can feel more formal or broad.
Learning Tips
- Practice collocations with adjectives: major, personal, significant.
- Compare with 'achievement' to feel the nuance in different contexts.
- Think milestone when you mean a notable result, not routine tasks.
- Use 'an accomplishment' for a specific example.
- Read/browse bios or résumés to see how people describe accomplishments.
- Write one sentence about a personal accomplishment and describe the effort involved.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'accomplishment'?
A.A type of car
B.A type of fruit
C.A task completed successfully
D.A type of bird
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'accomplishment' used correctly?
A.He ate an accomplishment for breakfast
B.The accomplishment meowed loudly
C.The dog ran past the accomplishment
D.She felt proud of her accomplishment
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'accomplishment'?
A.Failure
B.Defeat
C.Achievement
D.Loss
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'accomplishment'?
A.Victory
B.Success
C.Failure
D.Progress
Step 5: Mastery
How would you describe the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a difficult task?
A.Tired
B.Confused
C.Happy
D.Sad
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