achieve success — be successful
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to reach your goals or get the results you want, especially after working hard.
Say it like a native
Textbook He achieved a great deal of success in his career.
Native He did really well in his career. / He was a big success.
'Achieve success' is grammatical but textbooky; in speech natives say 'do well' or 'be a success'.
Pattern: achieve success (in something)
In use
- After years of hard work, she finally achieved success in her career.daily life
- In my opinion, people can achieve success by setting clear goals and staying motivated, even when things get difficult.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She achieved a success in the exam.
✓ She achieved success in the exam. / She did well in the exam.
'Success' here is uncountable — no 'a'.
Common collocations
achieve success— great, real, academic, lasting
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'be successful,' which is more general. 'Achieve success' focuses on the process and effort.