Achievable vs Attainable: When To Use Each One In Writing

In the world of goal setting and personal development, the terms achievable and attainable are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two that can make a big impact on how we approach our goals. In this article, we will explore the meanings of achievable and attainable, and why understanding the difference is important for success.

So, which of these two words is the proper one to use? The answer is that both are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. Achievable refers to something that is capable of being accomplished, while attainable refers to something that can be reached or obtained. In other words, achievable is about possibility, while attainable is about accessibility.

To put it another way, achievable is about whether something is possible to do, while attainable is about whether something is within our reach. For example, running a marathon may be achievable for someone who is physically fit, but it may not be attainable for someone who has a disability that prevents them from running. Understanding this difference can help us set more realistic and effective goals.

Define Achievable

When we say that something is achievable, it means that it is possible to accomplish or attain. In other words, it is within the realm of possibility and can be done with effort, resources, and time. Achievable goals are realistic and practical, and they can be broken down into smaller steps that lead to the ultimate objective.

For example, if you want to become a lawyer, passing the bar exam is an achievable goal. It requires studying, preparation, and dedication, but it is a realistic objective that can be accomplished with hard work.

Define Attainable

Attainable is a synonym for achievable, but it has a slightly different connotation. Attainable goals are not only possible to accomplish, but they are also within reach. This means that they are not too far-fetched or unrealistic, and they do not require extraordinary efforts or resources.

For instance, if you want to lose weight, setting a goal of losing 10 pounds in a month may be achievable, but it may not be attainable if you have a busy schedule or health issues that prevent you from exercising or following a strict diet. An attainable goal in this case could be losing 2-3 pounds a week, which is a more realistic and manageable objective.

Key Differences between Achievable and Attainable

Achievable	Attainable
Possible to accomplish	Possible to accomplish and within reach
Realistic and practical	Realistic, practical, and manageable
Requires effort, resources, and time	Requires effort, resources, and time, but not extraordinary ones

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make all the difference in how your message is perceived. Two words that are often confused are “achievable” and “attainable.” While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that should be understood in order to use them correctly.

How To Use “Achievable” In A Sentence

The word “achievable” is an adjective that describes something that is capable of being accomplished or attained. It is often used to describe goals or tasks that are within reach or possible to achieve.

Example sentences:

• The project’s goals are achievable with the right resources.
• With enough practice, a perfect score on the exam is achievable.
• Her dream of becoming a doctor is achievable with hard work and dedication.

How To Use “Attainable” In A Sentence

The word “attainable” is also an adjective that describes something that can be achieved or obtained. However, it is often used to describe something that requires effort or skill to obtain.

Example sentences:

• The promotion is attainable if you meet the qualifications and perform well.
• Learning a new language is attainable with consistent practice and immersion.
• Financial stability is attainable with proper budgeting and saving habits.

While “achievable” and “attainable” may seem interchangeable, understanding their subtle differences can help you choose the right word to convey your message accurately and effectively.

More Examples Of Achievable & Attainable Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how “achievable” and “attainable” can be used in sentences. These examples will provide a better understanding of how these two words differ in meaning and usage.

Examples Of Using Achievable In A Sentence

• With hard work and dedication, passing the exam is achievable.
• Setting achievable goals is essential for success.
• It is important to have a realistic and achievable budget.
• Running a marathon may seem daunting, but it is achievable with proper training.
• Completing the project on time is achievable if everyone works together.
• Getting a promotion is achievable if you demonstrate your skills and commitment.
• Traveling to Europe is achievable if you save money and plan ahead.
• Learning a new language is achievable with consistent practice and dedication.
• Improving your health and fitness is achievable with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Starting a successful business is achievable if you have a solid plan and work hard.

Examples Of Using Attainable In A Sentence

• Winning the lottery may be a dream, but it is not an attainable goal.
• It is important to set attainable goals to avoid disappointment and frustration.
• Getting a college degree is attainable if you study hard and stay focused.
• Building a successful career is attainable with the right skills and experience.
• Buying a house may seem impossible, but it is attainable with careful financial planning.
• Reaching your ideal weight is attainable with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
• Learning a new skill is attainable with patience and practice.
• Getting out of debt is attainable with a budget and a repayment plan.
• Starting a family may be a long-term goal, but it is attainable with planning and preparation.
• Traveling the world may seem like a distant dream, but it is attainable with careful planning and budgeting.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the usage of words, it is essential to understand their meanings and contexts to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. The words achievable and attainable are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably:

Using Achievable And Attainable As Synonyms

One of the most common mistakes people make is using achievable and attainable as synonyms. Although both words convey the idea of something that can be done, they have different nuances. Achievable refers to something that can be accomplished with effort or skill, while attainable means something that can be obtained or reached.

For instance, if you say that a goal is achievable, you imply that it requires effort and skill to accomplish it. On the other hand, if you say that a goal is attainable, you imply that it is within reach, and it can be obtained with the right resources and actions.

Using Achievable For Unrealistic Goals

Another common mistake people make is using achievable for unrealistic goals. Achievable goals are those that are realistic and can be accomplished with effort and skill. Unrealistic goals, on the other hand, are those that are not feasible or practical.

For example, if you say that it is achievable to become a millionaire overnight, you are setting an unrealistic goal that is not achievable. It is important to set realistic goals that can be accomplished with effort and skill.

Using Attainable For Goals That Require Effort And Skill

Conversely, some people use attainable for goals that require effort and skill. Attainable goals are those that can be reached or obtained with the right resources and actions. However, they still require effort and skill to accomplish.

For example, if you say that it is attainable to pass a difficult exam without studying, you are setting an unrealistic goal that requires effort and skill. It is important to understand that attainable goals still require effort and skill to accomplish.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

Here are some tips to avoid making these mistakes in the future:

• Understand the meanings of achievable and attainable
• Use achievable for realistic goals that require effort and skill
• Use attainable for goals that can be reached or obtained with the right resources and actions
• Avoid using achievable for unrealistic goals
• Avoid using attainable for goals that require effort and skill

By following these tips, you can use achievable and attainable correctly and avoid confusion and misinterpretation.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “achievable” and “attainable” can depend on the context in which they are used. While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can make one more appropriate than the other in certain situations.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between achievable and attainable might change:

Personal Goals

• If you are setting personal goals for yourself, you might use the word “achievable” to describe them. This implies that the goals are within your reach and you have the ability to accomplish them with effort and dedication.
• On the other hand, if you are setting goals that are more long-term or ambitious, you might use the word “attainable” instead. This implies that the goals are not just achievable, but also require a certain level of skill, knowledge, or resources to be obtained.

Business Objectives

• When it comes to business objectives, the choice between achievable and attainable depends on the specific goals and the company’s overall strategy.
• For instance, if a company is trying to increase sales by a certain percentage, it might use the word “achievable” to describe the goal. This implies that the goal is realistic and can be accomplished with the current resources and market conditions.
• However, if a company is trying to enter a new market or launch a new product, it might use the word “attainable” instead. This implies that the goal requires more than just effort and dedication, but also innovation, research, and investment.

Educational Objectives

• When it comes to educational objectives, the choice between achievable and attainable depends on the level of difficulty and the student’s abilities.
• For instance, if a student is setting a goal to improve their grades in a subject, they might use the word “achievable” to describe the goal. This implies that the goal is realistic and can be accomplished with the current level of knowledge and effort.
• However, if a student is setting a goal to get accepted into a prestigious university or win a scholarship, they might use the word “attainable” instead. This implies that the goal requires more than just effort and dedication, but also exceptional skills, achievements, and qualifications.

As you can see, the choice between achievable and attainable depends on the specific context and the level of difficulty or ambition involved. By using the right word, you can convey a more accurate and nuanced meaning, and avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Exceptions To The Rules

When The Rules Might Not Apply

While the rules for using achievable and attainable are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where the rules might not apply. Here are some examples:

Exceptions For Achievable

While achievable typically refers to something that can be accomplished through effort or skill, there are situations where it might not be the best word choice. Here are some exceptions:

• When referring to a physical object or location that is accessible or within reach, achievable may not be the best word choice. In this case, it might be better to use words like accessible, reachable, or within reach.
• When describing a task or goal that is extremely difficult or impossible to accomplish, achievable may not accurately convey the level of difficulty. In this case, it might be better to use words like challenging, difficult, or impossible.
• When describing a task or goal that is not worth pursuing, achievable may not accurately convey the lack of value. In this case, it might be better to use words like pointless, futile, or not worth pursuing.

Exceptions For Attainable

While attainable typically refers to something that can be reached or obtained, there are situations where it might not be the best word choice. Here are some exceptions:

• When referring to a physical object or location that is accessible or within reach, attainable may not accurately convey the level of accessibility. In this case, it might be better to use words like accessible, reachable, or within reach.
• When describing a task or goal that is extremely difficult or impossible to accomplish, attainable may not accurately convey the level of difficulty. In this case, it might be better to use words like challenging, difficult, or impossible.
• When describing a task or goal that is not worth pursuing, attainable may not accurately convey the lack of value. In this case, it might be better to use words like pointless, futile, or not worth pursuing.

Overall, while achievable and attainable are often used interchangeably, it’s important to consider the context and intended meaning of each word to ensure the most accurate and effective communication.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of achievable and attainable requires practice. Below are some practice exercises that can help readers solidify their grasp of these two terms.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either achievable or attainable:

1. It is ___________ to learn a new language with dedication and practice.
2. She set an ___________ goal of running a marathon within six months.
3. The project’s success was dependent on setting ___________ milestones.
4. He realized that his dream of becoming a professional athlete was not ___________ due to his physical limitations.

Answer Key:

1. achievable
2. attainable
3. achievable
4. attainable

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with either achievable or attainable:

1. The company’s ___________ goals were met within the first quarter.
2. She knew that with hard work and determination, her dream of becoming a doctor was ___________.
3. He set ___________ goals for himself in order to stay motivated.
4. The team worked together to create a plan that was ___________ within the given timeline.

Answer Key:

1. attainable
2. achievable
3. achievable
4. attainable

By practicing with exercises like these, readers can improve their understanding and use of achievable and attainable in their writing and speech.

Conclusion

After exploring the difference between achievable and attainable, it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Achievable refers to something that can be accomplished with effort and skill, while attainable refers to something that can be obtained or reached.

It is important to understand the difference between these two words, as using them correctly can help to communicate your thoughts more effectively. Whether you are writing a business proposal or a personal blog post, choosing the right word can make all the difference.

Key Takeaways

• Achievable and attainable are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.
• Achievable refers to something that can be accomplished with effort and skill.
• Attainable refers to something that can be obtained or reached.
• Using the correct word can help to communicate your thoughts more effectively.

Remember, language is a powerful tool, and mastering it takes time and effort. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, there is always more to learn. Keep exploring the nuances of grammar and language use, and you will be well on your way to becoming a master wordsmith.