attain

verb

at·​tain ə-ˈtān How to pronounce attain (audio)
attained; attaining; attains

transitive verb

1
: to reach as an end : gain, achieve
attain a goal
2
: to come into possession of : obtain
he attained preferment over his fellows
3
: to come to as the end of a progression or course of movement
They attained the top of the hill.
attain a ripe old age

intransitive verb

: to come or arrive by motion, growth, or effort
usually used with to
will probably attain to a height of six feet
attainability noun
attainable adjective

Examples of attain in a Sentence

a quest to attain enlightenment She refused to let the injury keep her from attaining her goal of being in the Olympics. This kind of tree can attain a height of 20 feet within just a few years. The car can attain a top speed of 200 mph.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the standards of Sin City, the casino has attained a modest amount of infamy and lore over its 25 years in operation. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 If the goal is too narrow, investments will not attain ROI. Sajal Singh, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 However, as he's moved further from New York reality star to conservative politician and champion of evangelical priorities, he's attained an 81 percent approval from white evangelicals, per PRRI, in 2024. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Gascón also noted jurors still remain hesitant to convict police, and sometimes plea deals are the best way to attain some measure of accountability. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attain 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English atteynen, from Anglo-French ateign-, stem of ateindre to reach, accomplish, convict, from Vulgar Latin *attangere, alteration of Latin attingere, from ad- + tangere to touch — more at tangent entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attain was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near attain

Cite this Entry

“Attain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attain. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

attain

verb
at·​tain ə-ˈtān How to pronounce attain (audio)
1
: to reach as a goal : accomplish, achieve
2
: to come to possess : obtain
3
: to arrive at : reach
attain the top of the mountain
often used with to
attainability noun
attainable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on attain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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