C1verbformaleducationpsychology
US/əˈteɪn/
UK/əˈteɪn/
to succeed in getting or reaching something, usually after effort
In context
She attained her goal of becoming a doctor after ten years of study.
Few students attain a perfect score on this difficult exam.
The small village attained city status in the year 1998.
Words that go with attain
verb + noun
- attain a goalHe worked hard to attain his goal.
- attain a high levelFew athletes attain a high level of fitness so quickly.
- attain independenceThe country attained independence in 1960.
- attain fameShe attained fame at the age of eighteen.
- attain successFew people attain success without failing first.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
attain to the goalCorrect: attain the goal