accomplish
verb (transitive)
UKəˈkʌm.plɪʃUSəˈkɑːm.plɪʃ
to succeed in doing or completing something; to achieve a goal or carry out a task effectively
Example Sentences
She worked late every night to accomplish her project ahead of schedule.
A strong team can accomplish more together than any individual can alone.
He felt proud to accomplish his weight-loss goal after months of hard work.
Setting specific milestones helps you accomplish your objectives systematically.
Their innovative approach allowed them to accomplish the task with fewer resources than expected.
To accomplish your dreams, you need determination, focus, and a clear plan of action.
By developing a clear blueprint and delegating responsibilities effectively, the engineering team managed to accomplish the complex bridge construction ahead of the predicted timeline, demonstrating exemplary coordination and problem-solving skills.
After years of research, the scientists were finally able to accomplish the breakthrough discovery, providing groundbreaking evidence that transformed the way experts approached the field and paved the way for future innovations.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To complete or carry out a goal or duty effectively.This verb means to bring something to a successful finish or to see it through to completion. You might accomplish a project at work, finalize a research paper, or complete household tasks. The focus lies on turning an intention or plan into a tangible result. In professional settings, accomplishing something often involves setting clear objectives, planning systematically, and persevering through challenges until the task is done.When you use “accomplish,” pay attention to context. If you’re talking about a significant, long-term objective, emphasize the steps or milestones involved, such as “We accomplished our three-year growth plan by breaking it down into quarterly goals.” In more casual or personal scenarios—like finishing a to-do list—you might say, “I finally accomplished everything I wanted to get done today!” By highlighting the effort, time, and strategy that go into an accomplishment, you showcase both the process and the gratifying moment of completion.Though “achieve” or “complete” can be near-synonyms, “accomplish” often hints at a sense of satisfaction or a well-executed plan. Use it when you want to underline the deliberate effort put into obtaining a particular result. Whether you’re describing straightforward tasks or major life goals, “accomplish” conveys a forward drive and a sense of personal or collective pride once the work is done.
Alternatives
If you need alternatives to convey the sense of completing a task, consider “achieve,” “attain,” or “complete.” “Achieve” leans toward fulfilling ambitions or larger goals, often linked with measuring success or recognition. “Attain” can add a layer of formality—think of reaching a high level of skill, wealth, or status, as in “attain mastery.” “Complete” underscores the finality of the task itself, emphasizing that everything’s finished and nothing remains undone.For more nuanced expressions, “fulfill” suggests meeting certain requirements or expectations; it fits especially well in contexts such as “fulfilling obligations” or “fulfilling potential.” “Carry out” is an option if you want to highlight a process or execution, often found in procedural or detailed tasks—like “carrying out instructions” or “carrying out plans.” “Realize” can imply making something actual that was once an idea or vision. Each synonym has its own shade of meaning, so consider which best suits the scale, formality, or emotional weight of what you’ve accomplished.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, use “accomplish” to emphasize that a specific objective has been definitively reached—often after careful planning or rigorous effort. For instance, in a research paper, you might say, “We accomplished our aim of collecting data on local biodiversity,” underscoring that a tangible milestone was met. Adding details such as methodologies or metrics will strengthen the statement and help readers appreciate the extent of what you achieved.In business or technical documents, “accomplish” signals a goal-driven mindset. You might outline how your team plans to accomplish certain targets within a given time frame. Linking the word with precise outcomes—like quantifiable growth percentages, numbers of users, or performance indicators—reinforces the seriousness and clarity of your objectives. When paired with clear evidence or data, “accomplish” becomes a powerful verb that underlines completion and success.If you’re drafting a more personal reflection or narrative, “accomplish” can highlight emotional growth or change, such as “I hoped to build my confidence, and by attending public-speaking workshops, I finally accomplished that.” Whether discussing professional triumphs, educational breakthroughs, or self-improvement goals, choosing “accomplish” in writing gives your text a clear, outcome-oriented tone.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “accomplish” often means getting something done—big or small. You could say, “I accomplished my chores this morning,” or “I finally accomplished my plan to start running three times a week.” By using “accomplish,” you convey a sense of satisfaction and a job well done, even for routine tasks.Friends might congratulate you for accomplishing something, whether it’s finishing a personal project or reaching a fitness milestone. The word can elevate even small victories, letting people know you feel proud of what you’ve completed. Alternatively, you might hear something like, “I need to accomplish this before the weekend,” showing that the goal is both time-sensitive and important enough to emphasize. In casual settings, sprinkling in “accomplish” signals that the outcome matters to you—whether you’re tidying up the house or crossing off your weekly to-do list.It’s also common to use synonyms in day-to-day life, like “get it done” or “wrap it up,” which sound a bit more informal. Still, “accomplish” is perfectly acceptable in casual chats, and it can give your statements a slightly more purposeful or enthusiastic vibe than everyday verbs like “finish” or “do.”
Etymology
“Accomplish” comes from the Old French “accompliss,” itself deriving from the Latin “ad-” (toward) plus “complēre” (to fill up). The idea behind “complēre” (“to complete”) involves filling something fully, thus finishing it entirely. Over time, the verb in English took on the nuance of bringing tasks or goals to full realization.In Middle English, “accomplish” continued to reflect the notion of thoroughly completing an undertaking or satisfying a requirement. As society became more specialized, from trade guilds to modern career paths, the term acquired a sense of fulfilling responsibilities, ambitions, or official duties. Today, it retains that direct link to completion, success, and the pride that comes with finishing what you set out to do. The etymology underscores the purposeful direction—“ad-”—toward making something whole, perfectly capturing the essence of turning intentions into reality.
