a·chieve·ment /əˈCHēvmənt/ noun a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill."to reach this stage is a great achievement" 2. the process or fact of achieving something. "the achievement of professional recognition" rec·og·ni·tion /ˌrekəɡˈniSH(ə)n/ noun identification of someone or something or person from previous encounters or knowledge."she saw him pass by without a sign of recognition" 2. acknowledgment of something's existence, validity, or legality.