Resume Synonyms for Achieved

Want another word for Achieved to use on your resume? Our team's compiled the most effective action verbs and synonyms you can use instead of the overused resume phrase, "Achieved".

Kimberley Tyler Smith Author Photo
Compiled by: Kimberley Tyler-Smith
Senior Hiring Manager
20+ Years of Experience

The action verb 'achieved' is used in resumes to express a skill or accomplishment. It tells a potential employer that you can achieve things and do what is asked of you. So when they read your resume, they know you're capable of achieving success.

This makes 'achieved' a great verb to use in your resume—it's not just a description of the action itself; it also tells recruiters what you accomplished. However, using 'achieved' repeatedly in your resume makes it sounds repetitive and self-congratulatory. While it's true that you've achieved something, you don't want to sound like you're bragging about your achievements—you want to sound confident but humble.

And to avoid this, you need to find synonyms for 'achieved.' Words to use on resume instead of 'achieved' are action verbs like attained, earned, or gained.

Using synonyms helps your resume flow better and shows that you're not just listing off what you've done but helps you emphasize specific points without feeling like they're being buried underneath other points in your resume. This is especially useful when writing about projects or achievements that have been particularly meaningful or difficult for you (e.g., if one achievement stands out more than others).

I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Achieved on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

Resume Synonyms for Achieved:

  • Elevated
  • Amended
  • Attained
  • Exceeded
  • Accomplished
  • Gained
  • Reached
  • Won
  • Realized
  • Earned
  • Completed
  • Fulfilled
  • Functioned
  • Visualized
  • Perfected
  • Pursued
  • Settled

How to replace Achieved with a stronger action verb:

Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Achieved, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.

Before: Weak example using Achieved

Achieved time savings for the team through automation

After: Using a stronger synonymSaved 13 person-hours daily by writing scripts to automate 25 tasks like database backups, restores, and server provisioning. .

Replacing Achieved with Spearheaded

Before: Achieved

Achieved the rebuilding of the website

After: SpearheadedSpearheaded the complete revamp of the company website, bringing traffic up by 35% within the first quarter.

The use of 'Spearheaded' suggests leadership and initiative, while being specific about what was done and the subsequent impact drives home the value brought to the company.

Tip: I've prepared a ton of additional examples for you to give you inspiration. Please click on any of the following to expand and see real examples of how I've rewritten client bullet points.


How to use these synonyms in practice

We've put together an infographic to give you more examples of how to put this into practice. Note the use of strong action verbs instead of words like Achieved.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Coordinated on a resume:

Coordinated a team of four developers and two designers to implement and launch online marketplace that connects students with tutors, within 6 months.

How to use Launched on a resume:

Launched an e-commerce website which sold t-shirts themed on the 2016 Presidential Election; successfully processed 800+ online transactions from 600+ unique users.

How to use Led on a resume:

Led team of six analysts towards saving client 10MM USD; acted as Engagement Manager by managing relationships with senior client stakeholders.

How to use Streamlined on a resume:

Streamlined the implementation process and reduced the average product delivery time from 10 days to 4 days by redefining responsibilities and improving accountability of employees.

How to use Developed on a resume:

Developed and implemented heavily parallelized algorithms to resize and watermark 5MM+ images of different sizes using Amazon EC2.

How to use Spearheaded on a resume:

Spearheaded redevelopment of internal tracking system in use by 125 employees, resulting in 20+ new features, reduction of 20% in save/load time and 15% operation time.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Achieved on a resume?

Generic language like Achieved are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Gained, Earned, Settled, Accomplished, Exceeded or Amended.

What are other words for Achieved on a resume?

Below are some alternative words and synonyms to add to your resume instead of Achieved:

  • Visualized
  • Exceeded
  • Realized
  • Earned
  • Functioned
  • Reached

Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

Want to know what's holding your resume back? Upload your resume to the tool below. You'll get a report outlining what you did well, and what you need to improve.



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