Etymologically
Log in

achievable

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 1 November 2026 at 03:30. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Changes in this edit History

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