Definition of "attain" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To gain (an object or desired result).

   • To attain such a high level of proficiency requires hours of practice each day.

2. (transitive) To reach or come to, by progression or motion; to arrive at (a place, time, state, etc.).

3. (intransitive) To come or arrive, by motion, growth, bodily exertion, or efforts toward a place, object, state, etc.

   • 1782, William Cowper, letter to Joseph Hill dated 11 November, 1782, in Private Correspondence of William Cowper, London: Henry Colburn, 1824, Volume 1, p. 222, You may not, perhaps, live to see your trees attain to the dignity of timber—I, nevertheless, approve of your planting, and the disinterested spirit that prompts you to it.

4. (transitive, obsolete) To get at the knowledge of.

5. (transitive, obsolete) To reach in excellence or degree.

6. (transitive, obsolete) To reach a person after being behind them.