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achievable

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Etymology and origin of the English word achievable

Confidence
Established
Formation
Derivation
First attested
1634 Thomas Jackson, Knowledge of Christ Jesus
Ultimate origin
Old French achever
Etymology tree
inherited borrowed derived
English achieve
English achievable

Pronunciation

  • UK: /əˈt͡ʃiːvəbəl/[1]
  • US: /əˈt͡ʃivəbəl/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from English achieve + -able.[2][3] Achieve is from Old French achever (“to complete, accomplish”), in Anglo-Norman also aschever, formed from the phrase à chef (“to a head, to an end”).[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Capable of being achieved: 1634, in Thomas Jackson's Knowledge of Christ Jesus.[2][4] Etymonline dates it to the 1620s.[3]

Semantic evolution

The meaning has stayed the same since the 17th century: something that can be done, gained or reached by effort.[2][3][4] Etymonline records the related forms achievably, achievableness and achievability.[3]

Timeline

  • 1634 – capable of being achieved.[2][4]

Meanings

Adjective

  1. That can be done or reached by effort; attainable: The coach set a few achievable targets for the new season.[4][2][3]

Word family

  • unachievable

References

  1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c d e f Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c d Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
Cite this entry

“Achievable.” Etymologically, 1 Nov. 2026, etymologically.com/en/achievable. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Last edited on . ·