attain

USAGE SUMMARY

"attain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to achieving something, usually after putting effort into it. For example, "John attained his dream of becoming a lawyer after years of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Even as he was encouraging young people to reach for greater heights for themselves, he was working to attain his own educational goals," the school said.

The Guardian

There is some evidence that children who are able to read autonomously and choose their reading material, attain levels that are expected of them or even higher.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a country where it has been estimated that the nursing workforce needs to be doubled to attain its Millennium Development targets, task shifting is a cost effective alternative which can both stem the spread of HIV and improve efficiency in delivering treatment and care.

The Guardian

Two families from Milwaukee were tracked over 22 years as they attempted to attain a modest version of the American dream: raise a family in a house that they owned, and maybe one day stop working.

The Guardian - Opinion

A recent report by the African Development Bank on Africa over the next 50 years predicts that "most African countries will attain upper middle income status, and the extreme forms of poverty will have been eliminated".

The Guardian

I conclude that this is its primary purpose and that your government has shamelessly used the fear of terrorism and the loathing of scroungers and illegal immigrants to attain this goal of total supervision.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Britain helped me to attain a post in the past.

The Guardian

Mutesi's goal is to rise to the level of Grandmaster, the highest level a chess player can attain, but she also hopes to become a paediatrician and open a home for children, to help girls facing challenges similar to those from her own childhood.

The Guardian

The World Trade Center's towers would be required to attain LEED gold certification, achieve net-zero CO2 emissions (by purchasing green-energy credits) and operate with at least 20% more energy efficiency than the state's current building code.

The Guardian

"Given the objections raised in the plenary today from Japan and its supporters, I'm not sure that we will attain the three-quarters majority we need for the motion to pass," said Kitty Block, vice-president and head of the delegation for the Humane Society International.

The Guardian

And maybe he's also reflecting that if humanity doesn't or shouldn't need war to make us realise that life has a purpose then equally the solitary man doesn't or shouldn't need the risks of flight to attain the same realisation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attain" to denote achieving something significant after considerable effort. For instance, "She attained a high level of proficiency in her field after years of dedicated study."

Common error

Avoid using "attain" when simpler verbs like "get" or "reach" are more appropriate. For example, instead of "attain a score", use "get a score".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "attain" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. It signifies the action of achieving or reaching a specific goal, state, or level, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attain" is a transitive verb used to describe the act of achieving a goal, often one requiring significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While it can be replaced with synonyms like "achieve" or "accomplish", "attain" often suggests a greater level of difficulty. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news, formal writing, and scientific contexts, making it a versatile and valuable word to have in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Achieve

A general term for successfully reaching a desired aim or result.

Accomplish

Implies successfully completing something, often requiring effort and skill.

Reach

Focuses on arriving at a specific point or level.

Obtain

Suggests acquiring or gaining possession of something, often tangible.

Gain

Emphasizes the process of acquiring something, often through effort or merit.

Secure

Implies obtaining something with certainty, often after overcoming obstacles.

Realize

Focuses on making something a reality or achieving a goal that was once just an idea.

Fulfill

Suggests satisfying a requirement or achieving a promise.

Acquire

Focuses on gradually gaining possession or knowledge of something.

Arrive at

Highlights the endpoint of a process or journey.

FAQs

How is "attain" used in a sentence?

"Attain" describes achieving something, typically after a period of effort. For example, "He worked hard to "attain his goals"".

What are synonyms for "attain"?

Alternatives to "attain" include "achieve", "accomplish", "reach", and "obtain". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "attain success"?

Yes, "attain success" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe achieving success through effort.

What is the difference between "attain" and "achieve"?

While similar, "attain" often implies a higher level of effort or difficulty compared to "achieve". Both words describe reaching a goal, but "attain" suggests overcoming more significant challenges.