Attaining
/əˈteɪnɪŋ/
verbIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
To succeed in getting something, especially after a lot of effort.
/əˈteɪnɪŋ/
verbpositiveIntermediate
General
To achieve or accomplish something.
He finally attained his dream of becoming a doctor.
💡 Simply: To get something you wanted after trying hard.
More Examples
2
The climbers attained the summit after a grueling ascent.
How It's Used
Academic
"She is attaining high grades in her studies."
Business
"The company is attaining its sales targets."
From Old French 'ateindre', meaning 'to reach, attain', ultimately from Latin 'attingere', 'to touch, reach'.
Historically, 'attain' was often used in more formal contexts, relating to spiritual or intellectual goals.
Memory tip
Think of 'reaching' for a goal – that's attaining.
Practice
Base: attain
atainingattaininggatainng
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written