Words / B2

uh-TAYN/əˈteɪn/

To attain is to reach a level, age, or goal after effort: attain a grade, attain independence. Reach is everyday; achieve is a close synonym, often for successes you work for. Attainment is the noun (educational attainment), and attain itself is slightly formal, common in reports. In speech, get or reach is enough — you attain a standard, not a bus.

Meaning

To reach a goal, level, or age, often after effort.

Examples

• “She attained a high score on the exam.”
• “Few candidates attain distinction without timed practice.”
• “She attained the required score on her second attempt.”

Good to know

attain a goal / a level / a score. Formal. Everyday: reach / achieve. Noun: attainment.

Near in meaning

achieve

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