A monumental achievement
Meaning
An extremely significant, impressive, or historically important accomplishment that often requires great effort and skill.
Origin
The word "monumental" itself descends from the Latin "monumentum," meaning "a reminder," "a memorial," or "a monument." These were grand structures—statues, buildings, obelisks—erected to commemorate significant events or individuals, ensuring their memory would endure through time. So, when we describe an achievement as "monumental," we are inherently elevating it to a status worthy of such a lasting tribute, suggesting it is so profound and impactful that it deserves to be remembered and celebrated for generations, much like a physical monument stands against the test of time. It’s not just big; it's monument-worthy.
Examples
- Building the first truly self-sustaining lunar colony would certainly be a monumental achievement for humanity.
- Winning four Olympic gold medals in a single event across consecutive games is a monumental achievement that few athletes can ever hope to equal.