Accomplishment vs. Award: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 2023
An accomplishment is the successful completion or achievement of a task, goal, or objective, while an award is a prize or honor given in recognition of one’s achievements or accomplishments.
Key Differences
Accomplishment and award are two terms that are interconnected yet distinctly different. An accomplishment denotes the successful achievement or completion of something, such as a task, goal, or objective. It emphasizes the act of overcoming challenges to achieve a specific outcome or to master a skill or knowledge area. Conversely, an award refers to a prize, honor, or acknowledgment given to an individual or group in recognition of their achievements, accomplishments, skills, or contributions, reflecting external recognition of one’s accomplishments.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
An accomplishment is inherently satisfying and marks the realization of one’s efforts and hard work. It can be personal or professional and does not necessarily require external validation or recognition. It’s a demonstration of one’s ability to achieve set goals or objectives, reflecting one’s capabilities and determination. On the other hand, an award, being a form of external recognition, is conferred by others, usually peers, organizations, or institutions, to acknowledge and appreciate one’s accomplishments, contributions, or excellence in a specific field or area.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
While the sense of achievement and self-fulfillment associated with an accomplishment is intrinsic and self-derived, the recognition and appreciation associated with receiving an award are extrinsic. An accomplishment is a reflection of one’s internal drive, diligence, and competence, emphasizing the fulfillment of personal aspirations or the attainment of set targets. In contrast, an award serves as a symbol of external validation and acknowledgment from others, highlighting the appreciation and recognition of one’s achievements or excellence by others.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Every accomplishment may not result in an award, and every award may not represent an individual accomplishment. Accomplishments can be private, known only to the individual who achieved them, and may range from small, everyday tasks to significant, life-changing achievements. Awards, meanwhile, are public recognitions and are usually given for specific accomplishments, contributions, or excellence that are deemed worthy of acknowledgment and are recognized and valued by others.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
The pursuit of accomplishments is driven by one’s motivation, goals, and aspirations, focusing on the achievement of specific outcomes or the mastery of particular skills or knowledge areas. Awards are driven by the judgments, evaluations, and acknowledgments of others, focusing on the recognition and appreciation of one’s accomplishments, excellence, or contributions in a specific field or area.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The successful completion or achievement of a task or goal.
A prize or honor given in recognition of achievement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Validation
Self-validated and does not require external acknowledgment.
Requires acknowledgment by others.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Scope
Can be private and not known to others.
Public recognition for specific accomplishments.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
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Accomplishment and Award Definitions
Accomplishment
Mastery of a skill or knowledge area.
His proficiency in multiple languages is an impressive accomplishment.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Award
A token of appreciation or acknowledgment.
The scientist was granted an award for his groundbreaking research.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Accomplishment
Fulfillment of one's aspirations or goals.
Publishing his first book was a lifelong accomplishment.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Award
A formal recognition given by an authority.
The film won several awards at the international film festival.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Accomplishment
The successful completion of a task or objective.
Finishing the marathon was a significant accomplishment for Mark.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
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Award
A grant or payment made to support someone's work or studies.
The university offered her an award to assist with her research.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Accomplishment
The achievement of a desired aim or result.
Graduating with honors was her greatest accomplishment.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Award
A distinction conferred for outstanding achievement.
He earned a prestigious award for his contributions to literature.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Accomplishment
The act of accomplishing or the state of being accomplished; completion
The accomplishment of this task has taken months.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
Something carried out or completed successfully; an achievement
She was honored for her many accomplishments as a researcher.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
To grant an amount or other benefit legally due
Awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
An acquired skill or refinement
A singer known for his accomplishment in vocal technique.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
The act of accomplishing; completion; fulfilment.
The accomplishment of an enterprise, of a prophecy, etc
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
That which completes, perfects, or equips thoroughly; acquirement; attainment; that which constitutes excellence of mind, or elegance of manners, acquired by education or training.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
(legal) A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
Something accomplished; an achievement.
Increasing sales by 20% in the last quarter was seen as a major accomplishment for the business.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
(legal) The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
The lexical aspect (aktionsart) of verbs or predicates that change over time until a natural end point.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
The act of accomplishing; entire performance; completion; fulfillment; as, the accomplishment of an enterprise, of a prophecy, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
A negotiated minimum wage that is set for a particular trade or industry; an industrial award.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
That which completes, perfects, or equips thoroughly; acquirement; attainment; that which constitutes excellence of mind, or elegance of manners, acquired by education or training.
Accomplishments have taken virtue's place,And wisdom falls before exterior grace.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
(transitive) To give (an award).
Four or five of these medals are awarded every year.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
(transitive) To give (a person) an award.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Accomplishment
A task or project that has been completed successfully.
Organizing the charity event was a notable accomplishment.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case.
The arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant.
To reviewThe wrongful sentence, and award a new.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
An award had been given against.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
A grant made by a law court;
He criticized the awarding of compensation by the court
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery;
The prize was a free trip to Europe
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Award
A prize or honor given in recognition of one's achievements.
She received an award for her outstanding community service.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
FAQs
Is an accomplishment always a positive achievement?
Generally, yes, accomplishments are considered positive achievements or successful completions of tasks.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can anyone give an award?
Typically, awards are given by recognized bodies or institutions, but informal awards can be given by anyone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is every accomplishment recognized with an award?
No, not every accomplishment is recognized with an award.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can a small task be considered an accomplishment?
Yes, even completing small tasks can be considered accomplishments.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Does every accomplishment bring happiness?
While accomplishments often bring satisfaction, they do not universally guarantee happiness.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can awards have monetary value?
Yes, some awards include monetary prizes or grants.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is receiving an award always based on merit?
Ideally, yes, but some awards may be given due to favoritism or other non-merit-based criteria.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Can an accomplishment be shared?
Yes, accomplishments can be individual or shared among a group or team.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can an award be withdrawn?
Yes, awards can be withdrawn if given under false pretenses or if the awardee violates certain conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is an award always a tangible object?
No, an award can also be a title, recognition, or even a monetary grant.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Do all awards have long-lasting value?
The value of an award can vary; some may have enduring value, while others may not.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can one’s daily job be considered an accomplishment?
Completing tasks or achieving goals in one's daily job can certainly be considered accomplishments.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Is accomplishment a continuous process?
Yes, individuals can continually achieve new accomplishments throughout life.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can accomplishment be measured?
Yes, accomplishments can often be measured against set goals or objectives.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
