Achievable

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /əˈt͡ʃivəbəl/

Definitions

  1. Capable of being accomplished or attained through effort
  2. Attainable goals can be reached through effort and planning while remaining realistic and within one's capacity
  3. Something that can realistically be accomplished or attained after putting in the necessary work and resources

Etymology: The term "achievable" is a product of the fusion of the verb "achieve" and the suffix "-able," which indicates capability or suitability. The verb "achieve" itself finds its origins in the late Middle English "achieven," which is derived from the Old French "achever," meaning "to finish, to complete." The Old French term traces back to the Vulgar Latin "*adcapare," a combination of "ad-" (to) and "capare," meaning "to take" or "to seize." Thus, to achieve something originally conveyed the sense of seizing or attaining a goal or completion, reflecting a journey of effort leading to a successful outcome. The suffix "-able," which has origins in the Latin "-abilis," implies that something can be done or is worthy of a particular action. When combined with "achieve," it transforms the verb into an adjective, signifying that a goal or success is within reach, or can be accomplished. This construction allows the term to embody the notion of potential and possibility, suggesting that certain objectives are not just distant dreams, but rather attainable outcomes. "Achievable" entered the English lexicon in the 19th century, during a period when language was evolving rapidly to accommodate new ideas and concepts, particularly those related to personal and professional development. The word's rise in popularity coincided with the burgeoning emphasis on goal-setting and the self-help movement, making it a cherished term in motivational discourse. As society increasingly began to focus on the significance of setting and accomplishing personal and collective goals, this term became a cornerstone of motivational literature. Its meaning has remained relatively stable throughout its usage, continuing to inspire individuals to recognize that with effort and determination, their aspirations can indeed be realized.

Synonyms: attainable, reachable, feasible, realizable, obtainable

Antonyms: unattainable, impossible, infeasible, unreachable, hopeless