Achievement vs. Progress: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 17, 2023
Achievement is the realization of a goal, while Progress is the forward movement towards a goal.
Key Differences
Achievement refers to the successful completion or accomplishment of a task, objective, or goal. It marks the end of a journey or effort. On the other hand, Progress signifies the ongoing journey or effort towards achieving a certain goal. It's the steps or actions taken in the direction of that end point.
An Achievement is often viewed as a milestone, a point of arrival. It's when the hard work culminates into a recognizable outcome. Progress, in contrast, embodies the continuous journey, regardless of how far or near one is to the end goal.
Achievement is binary in nature – it's either achieved or not. It's definitive. Whereas, Progress is more about the degree or extent of movement towards a goal, and can be measured in varying gradients.
When someone says they have an Achievement, it implies they've met a specific standard or criterion. But when they talk about Progress, it means they are in the midst of a process, and there's still work to be done.
Celebrations often mark Achievements, as they are points of success. While Progress is usually acknowledged and recognized, it's the milestones along the way that keep one motivated towards the final achievement.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Endpoint or realization of a goal
Ongoing journey towards a goal
Measurement
Binary (achieved or not)
Gradient (degree of advancement)
Recognition
Often celebrated
Acknowledged, but not always celebrated
Duration
Marks completion
Can be continuous
Associated Feelings
Sense of fulfillment and completion
Sense of movement and advancement
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Achievement and Progress Definitions
Achievement
The realization or attainment of a desired goal.
His graduation was an achievement he had worked hard for.
Progress
Forward movement towards a destination or goal.
She made significant progress in her piano lessons.
Achievement
The act of accomplishing or completing a task or objective.
Winning the gold medal was a major achievement for the young athlete.
Progress
Development or improvement of skills, knowledge, or conditions.
Technological progress has revolutionized our world.
Achievement
A thing done successfully with effort or skill.
Writing a novel was her greatest achievement.
Progress
A step or stage in a sequence or process.
The construction is in the final stages of progress.
Achievement
A record or notable act of performance.
The company's sales record was a significant achievement.
Progress
The act of advancing or moving forward.
With hard work, you'll see progress in your abilities.
Achievement
The process of achieving something
She devoted her life to the achievement of voting rights for women.
Progress
Forward or onward movement, as toward a destination
We made little progress on our way home because of the traffic.
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.
Progress
Development, advancement, or improvement, as toward a goal
The math students have shown great progress.
Achievement
The act of achieving or performing; a successful performance; accomplishment.
Progress
A ceremonial journey made by a sovereign through that sovereign's realm.
Achievement
A great or heroic deed or feat; something accomplished by valor or boldness.
Progress
To move forward or onward
The ship progressed toward the equator.
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.
Progress
To develop, advance, or improve
Research progressed on the new vaccine.
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.
Progress
To increase in scope or severity, as a disease taking an unfavorable course.
Achievement
The lexical aspect (aktionsart) of verbs or predicates that change in an instant.
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.
Achievement
(sociology) The successful completion of a socially defined goal or task, highlighting individual or group accomplishment.
Progress
Specifically, advancement to a higher or more developed state; development, growth.
Science has made extraordinary progress in the last fifty years.
Achievement
The act of achieving or performing; an obtaining by exertion; successful performance; accomplishment; as, the achievement of his object.
Progress
An official journey made by a monarch or other high personage; a state journey, a circuit.
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.
Progress
A journey forward; travel.
Achievement
An escutcheon or ensign armorial; now generally applied to the funeral shield commonly called hatchment.
Progress
Movement onwards or forwards or towards a specific objective or direction; advance.
The thick branches overhanging the path made progress difficult.
Achievement
The action of accomplishing something
Progress
(intransitive) To move, go, or proceed forward; to advance.
Visitors progress through the museum at their own pace.
Achievement
A special skill or knowledge acquired by training or practice.
Playing a musical instrument is no small achievement.
Progress
(intransitive) To develop.
Societies progress unevenly.
Progress
(by extension) To improve; to become better or more complete.
Progress
(transitive) To expedite.
Progress
A moving or going forward; a proceeding onward; an advance
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.
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.
Progress
To make improvement; to advance.
If man progresses, art must progress too.
Progress
To make progress in; to pass through.
Progress
Gradual improvement or growth or development;
Advancement of knowledge
Great progress in the arts
Progress
The act of moving forward toward a goal
Progress
A movement forward;
He listened for the progress of the troops
Progress
Develop in a positive way;
He progressed well in school
My plants are coming along
Plans are shaping up
Progress
Move forward, also in the metaphorical sense;
Time marches on
Progress
Form or accumulate steadily;
Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly
Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border
Progress
Growth or development towards a more advanced state.
Society has made progress in human rights over the years.
FAQs
How is Progress different from Achievement?
Progress is the forward movement towards a goal, while Achievement is the realization of that goal.
What is Achievement in simple terms?
Achievement is the successful completion or realization of a goal or task.
Can there be multiple Achievements within a larger Progress?
Yes, multiple achievements can mark milestones within a larger journey of progress.
Is every Achievement indicative of Progress?
Yes, Achievements are generally milestones indicating progress towards a larger goal.
Can Progress be measured?
Yes, progress can be measured in terms of distance moved towards a goal or improvements made.
Is Achievement always the end goal?
While Achievement often marks the realization of a goal, it can also be a stepping stone to bigger objectives.
Can there be Progress without Achievement?
Yes, one can make progress towards a goal without necessarily achieving it.
Can one feel a sense of Achievement without making Progress?
It's subjective; some might feel achievement in small tasks without seeing overall progress.
Why is tracking Progress important?
Tracking progress helps in understanding the steps towards a goal and keeping motivation alive.
Does Progress always lead to Achievement?
Not always; progress indicates movement, but the goal or achievement might still not be realized.
Can Achievement be subjective?
Yes, what counts as an achievement can vary from person to person.
Is every Achievement commendable?
While many achievements are commendable, the value of an achievement is subjective and can vary based on perspectives.
Can an Achievement be undone?
Some achievements, like records, are permanent, while others, like positions, can be lost or undone.
Can Progress be halted?
Yes, progress can face interruptions, but it can also be resumed.
Is Progress always positive?
Ideally, progress is forward-moving, but there can be setbacks or regressions in a journey.
Are there universal standards for Achievement?
While there are some recognized standards, many aspects of achievement are personal and subjective.
Can one achieve without recognizing the Progress?
It's possible, though recognizing progress often helps in appreciating the journey towards an achievement.
Are Achievements always tangible?
No, achievements can be intangible, like personal growth or a change in mindset.
Do all forms of Progress require effort?
Most progress requires effort, but some can also be a result of external factors or circumstances.
Is Progress a continuous journey?
Often it is, but there can be pauses or setbacks in the journey of progress.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
