Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was not achieved
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "was not achieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular goal, objective, or outcome was not successfully reached or completed. Example: "Despite our best efforts, the target for this quarter was not achieved."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(20)
failed to materialize
has not reported
was not ordered
was not secured
was not derived
was not acknowledged
has not derived
was not corrected
was not provided
has been rejected
has been discontinued
was forgone
was not anticipated
had not restricted
had not arrived
was not activated
has not removed
met with refusal
did not incorporate
was not saved
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
This was not achieved.
News & Media
That goal was not achieved.
News & Media
Thus, tolerance was not achieved.
Science & Research
This was not achieved by chance.
News & Media
Anaesthesia was not achieved at those concentrations.
Science
World leadership in space was not achieved easily.
News & Media
During the Kamakura period, total warrior dominance was not achieved.
Encyclopedias
The Conquest was not achieved at a single stroke.
Encyclopedias
Yes, a surplus was not achieved in 2013.
News & Media
Even then, some would argue, true reconciliation was not achieved.
News & Media
"An intercept was not achieved," the statement said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "was not achieved", ensure the context clearly specifies what objective or goal was not met. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.
Common error
Avoid using "was not achieved" without specifying the actor if it's relevant. While grammatically correct, omitting the actor can sometimes make the sentence vague. If appropriate, clarify who attempted to achieve the goal.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was not achieved" functions as a predicate in a passive construction. According to Ludwig AI, this construction indicates that a particular goal, objective, or outcome did not happen or was not successfully reached. It describes a state of incompletion or failure to attain a desired result.
Frequent in
Science
34%
News & Media
34%
Encyclopedias
7%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "was not achieved" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express the failure to reach a specific objective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for formal and informal communication, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedia-style writing. While direct synonyms exist, alternatives such as "failed to materialize" or "was not accomplished" offer slightly different nuances. When using "was not achieved", ensure clear context and specify the actor if relevant, preventing any ambiguity. Always aim for the right alternative to your sentence.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was not accomplished
A direct synonym, focusing on the lack of completion or attainment.
proved unsuccessful
Highlights the lack of success in achieving a particular objective.
failed to materialize
Indicates that something did not happen or become real.
resulted in failure
Emphasizes the negative outcome of an attempt or endeavor.
did not come to fruition
Suggests that something did not develop or succeed after a period of effort.
was unrealized
Focuses on the fact that something remained only as a possibility and never became a reality.
yielded no result
Indicates that an action or process did not produce the desired outcome.
fell short of expectations
Implies that the outcome did not meet the anticipated or desired level.
was in vain
Suggests that efforts were ultimately fruitless and without value.
did not pan out
An informal way of saying that something did not work out as planned.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "was not achieved" to sound more formal?
For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "was not attained", "proved unsuccessful", or "failed to materialize". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
What's the difference between "was not achieved" and "was not accomplished"?
While both are similar, "was not achieved" generally implies a broader sense of not reaching a goal, whereas "was not accomplished" focuses more on the lack of completion of a specific task. The interchangeability depends on the context.
Is it correct to say "the goal was not achieved by us"?
Yes, the sentence "The goal was not achieved by us" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction that emphasizes the goal and the lack of achievement, specifying who failed to achieve it. You could also rephrase it actively as "We did not achieve the goal".
What are some common scenarios where I might use the phrase "was not achieved"?
You might use "was not achieved" when discussing project outcomes, research results, personal goals, or any situation where a desired result "did not pan out". It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested