Achievement vs. Progress: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
"Achievement" is the realization of a goal, while "progress" denotes the act of moving toward a goal.
Difference Between Achievement and Progress
Achievement and progress both pertain to forward movement or advancement, but their focal points differ. An achievement is the culmination of effort, signifying the realization or completion of a goal. In contrast, progress underscores the journey, emphasizing the forward movement made toward a specific aim.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Consider the process of learning a new skill, like playing the piano. The achievement might be the moment a particular piece is flawlessly played. On the other hand, progress encapsulates the gradual improvement observed from the first lesson, through practice sessions, up to the mastery of that piece.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
It's also noteworthy that achievements are often tangible, celebrated milestones – they're moments of recognition that something has been completed or mastered. Progress, meanwhile, is more intangible, marking the incremental advances made toward a goal and might not always be publicly recognized.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
In many contexts, progress can be ongoing without a definitive endpoint. For instance, societal progress toward equality might not have a clear "achievement" moment, but can be observed over time. Conversely, achievements are definite, marked by distinct events or accomplishments.
Leo
Sep 16, 2023
It's also worth noting that while achievements are often seen as endpoints, they can also signal the beginning of new journeys or challenges. For instance, graduating (an achievement) might mark the commencement of a career. Meanwhile, progress in that career is the continuous journey towards professional milestones.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
Achievement vs. Progress Comparison Chart
Definition
Realization or completion of a goal.
Forward movement toward a goal.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Relation to Goal
Signifies goal attainment.
Indicates movement toward goal attainment.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
Achievement vs. Progress Definitions
◉Achievement
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
Winning the championship was a significant achievement.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Progress
Forward or onward movement toward a destination.
She made significant progress in her piano lessons.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
◉Achievement
Mastery over a skill or subject.
His achievement in mathematics was exemplary.
Leo
Sep 16, 2023
◉Progress
Development toward an improved condition.
The city showed progress in reducing pollution.
Elijah
Sep 16, 2023
◉Achievement
A notable act or event that marks an accomplishment.
The invention of the light bulb was a historic achievement.
William
Sep 16, 2023
◉Progress
Advancement in knowledge or skill.
His progress in the training program was commendable.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
◉Achievement
The process of achieving something
She devoted her life to the achievement of voting rights for women.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
The process of growing or developing.
The progress of the construction project was on schedule.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
◉Achievement
Something that has been achieved, especially by means of skill or perseverance
The discovery of antibiotics is one of the great achievements of modern medicine.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
Forward or onward movement, as toward a destination
We made little progress on our way home because of the traffic.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
The act of achieving or performing; a successful performance; accomplishment.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
Development, advancement, or improvement, as toward a goal
The math students have shown great progress.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
A great or heroic deed or feat; something accomplished by valor or boldness.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
A ceremonial journey made by a sovereign through that sovereign's realm.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
(heraldry) An escutcheon or ensign armorial; a full display or depiction of all the heraldic components to which the bearer of a coat of arms is entitled; a funeral shield: the hatchment.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
(video games) An award for completing a particular task or meeting an objective in a video game.
Finishing the game does not give you a 100% score until you have unlocked all of the achievements.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
To develop, advance, or improve
Research progressed on the new vaccine.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
The lexical aspect (aktionsart) of verbs or predicates that change in an instant.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
To increase in scope or severity, as a disease taking an unfavorable course.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
(sociology) The successful completion of a socially defined goal or task, highlighting individual or group accomplishment.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
Movement or advancement through a series of events, or points in time; development through time.
Testing for the new antidote is currently in progress.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
The act of achieving or performing; an obtaining by exertion; successful performance; accomplishment; as, the achievement of his object.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
Specifically, advancement to a higher or more developed state; development, growth.
Science has made extraordinary progress in the last fifty years.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
A great or heroic deed; something accomplished by valor, boldness, or praiseworthy exertion; a feat.
[The exploits] of the ancient saints . . . do far surpass the most famous achievements of pagan heroes.
The highest achievements of the human intellect.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
An official journey made by a monarch or other high personage; a state journey, a circuit.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
An escutcheon or ensign armorial; now generally applied to the funeral shield commonly called hatchment.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
Movement onwards or forwards or towards a specific objective or direction; advance.
The thick branches overhanging the path made progress difficult.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
A thing done successfully with effort or skill.
Completing the marathon was a personal achievement.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Progress
(intransitive) To move, go, or proceed forward; to advance.
Visitors progress through the museum at their own pace.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Achievement
Receiving acknowledgment for one's effort.
Her promotion at work was a notable achievement.
Nolan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Progress
A journey of state; a circuit; especially, one made by a sovereign through parts of his own dominions.
The king being returned from his progresse.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
To make progress; to move forward in space; to continue onward in course; to proceed; to advance; to go on; as, railroads are progressing.
Let me wipe off this honorable dew,That silverly doth progress on thy checks.
They progress in that style in proportion as their pieces are treated with contempt.
The war had progressed for some time.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
To make improvement; to advance.
If man progresses, art must progress too.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
gradual improvement or growth or development;
advancement of knowledge
great progress in the arts
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
develop in a positive way;
He progressed well in school
My plants are coming along
Plans are shaping up
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
form or accumulate steadily;
Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly
Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Progress
Steady improvement, as of a society or civilization.
The progress of technology in the past decade has been astonishing.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
Achievement vs. Progress Frequently Asked Questions
If someone is progressing, does it mean they've achieved their goal?
No, progress means they're moving toward a goal, not necessarily that they've reached it.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Is it possible to achieve something without making progress?
Typically, achievements are the result of progress, but unexpected events can sometimes lead to achievements without gradual progress.
Kaitlyn
Sep 16, 2023
Can progress exist without an achievement in sight?
Yes, progress can be ongoing without a definitive endpoint or achievement.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Is every achievement indicative of progress?
While achievements often result from progress, not every achievement indicates forward progress; some might mark maintenance of status quo.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
How can we measure progress as opposed to achievement?
Progress can be gauged by milestones or indicators along a journey, while achievement is measured by the realization of a specific goal.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
Can you have multiple achievements within progress?
Yes, multiple milestones or achievements can be realized within the larger framework of progress toward a bigger goal.
William
Sep 16, 2023
Are all achievements positive?
While achievements often have a positive connotation, it's possible to achieve undesirable outcomes, such as a negative record.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
In what contexts is achievement more emphasized than progress?
In competitive environments, like sports or certain career paths, the end result or achievement might be more emphasized than the journey or progress.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
Is progress always linear?
No, progress can have setbacks and might not always follow a straight path.
Elijah
Sep 16, 2023
Which is more valuable, consistent progress or sporadic achievements?
Both have value. Consistent progress indicates steady improvement, while sporadic achievements mark significant milestones. The value might vary based on context and perspective.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
