attainment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'attainment' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the achievement of an objective or goal, especially after an extended period of effort or activity. For example, “After years of hard work and dedication, he finally achieved his lifelong goal of educational attainment.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eighty per cent of the GCSE attainment gap is present by age seven.

The Guardian

They argued that, because loyalist paramilitaries had no representation in the Stormont parliament or that because socioeconomic or educational attainment was low in poor Protestant areas around eastern Belfast, these communities suddenly erupted in anger.

The Guardian

Figures show that poverty is having serious effects on pupils' attainment rates in schools, and Wales has the highest death rates for drug misuse in the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is of course not a definitive study of the impact of education on attainment in the media industry; it simply offers some evidence that the private school system dominates several sectors of the British establishment – and not just the political one.

The Guardian

Expect more unqualified teachers, headteacher shortages, a growing attainment gap between children on free school meals and their better-off peers, chaotic curriculum reform, random academisation, the end to AS-levels, and poor children being denied a chance of university.

The Guardian

"While President Jonathan acknowledges that there are still challenges in the path of Nigeria's attainment of its full potentials as a nation, he believes that his Administration is moving the country in the right direction and therefore deserves the support, encouragement and cooperation of all citizens," the statement added.

The Guardian - Books

The research also finds that compared to individuals with similar levels of attainment, pupils from independent and selective state schools, and those with fewer pupils eligible for free school meals are significantly more likely to drop out, less likely to complete their degree and less likely to graduate with a first or a 2 1 than their disadvantaged counterparts.

The Guardian

Both the education select committee and aspiring Labour leader Liz Kendall have raised the issue of attainment among white working-class pupils and this needs to be pursued.

The Guardian

Although Korean schools have some of the highest levels of attainment in the world, their children are the most tested, stressed and unhappy.

The Guardian - Books

The UK was recently ranked 28th out of 70 countries in terms of maths attainment in secondary schools and, in comparison with other countries, fewer students opt to continue maths beyond the age of 16.

The Guardian

You could take the view that if it's happening outside school then it's not a matter for teachers, but I believe that if it affects children's behaviour and attainment in school, it needs to be dealt with.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attainment" to describe the act of achieving a significant goal or level, especially after dedicated effort. For example, use "educational attainment" to refer to the level of education someone has achieved.

Common error

Avoid using "attainment" as a verb. It is a noun that refers to the act of achieving something. Instead, use verbs like "achieve", "attain", or "reach".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "attainment" is as a noun, referring to the act of achieving something or the state of having achieved it. As Ludwig AI suggests, this noun appears frequently in educational and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attainment" functions as a noun denoting the act of achieving a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. The examples highlight its prevalence in discussing educational and professional achievements. While adaptable, "attainment" usually suits neutral to formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "achievement" or "accomplishment" for variations in tone. Avoiding its misuse as a verb will ensure clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achievement

Focuses more on the act of achieving rather than the state of having attained.

accomplishment

Suggests a noteworthy achievement, often implying skill or effort.

acquisition

Emphasizes the gaining of possession or control of something.

realization

Highlights the process of making something real or achieving a desired state.

fulfillment

Implies a sense of satisfaction or completeness upon achieving something.

winning

Focuses on success in a competition or contest.

successful completion

Highlights the successful finishing of a project or task.

reaching

Emphasizes the act of arriving at a specific point or goal.

securing

Highlights the effort to ensure possession or control.

gaining

Focuses on the act of obtaining something, often implying benefit.

FAQs

How is "attainment" used in a sentence?

"Attainment" is a noun used to describe the act of achieving something, as in "The students' educational attainment improved significantly this year".

What are some alternatives to "attainment"?

Depending on the context, you can use "achievement", "accomplishment", or "acquisition" as alternatives to "attainment".

What's the difference between "attainment" and "achievement"?

"Attainment" refers to the act or state of achieving something, while "achievement" often refers to a specific accomplishment or success.

Is it correct to say "attainment of goals"?

Yes, "attainment of goals" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the process of reaching or achieving specific objectives.