attain meaning and definition

ATTAIN verb

Definition of attain (verb)

1. to gain with effort
   • "she achieved her goal despite setbacks"
   • synonyms: accomplish, achieve, reach
2. reach a point in time, or a certain state or level
   • "The thermometer hit 100 degrees"; "This car can reach a speed of 140 miles per hour"
   • synonyms: hit, reach
3. find unexpectedly
   • "the archeologists chanced upon an old tomb"; "she struck a goldmine"; "The hikers finally struck the main path to the lake"
   • synonyms: chance on, chance upon, come across, come upon, discover, fall upon, happen upon, light upon, strike
4. reach a destination, either real or abstract
   • "We hit Detroit by noon"; "The water reached the doorstep"; "We barely made it to the finish line"; "I have to hit the MAC machine before the weekend starts"
   • synonyms: arrive at, gain, hit, make, reach