successful
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for successful, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Having achieved the intended goal or result.
How to use successful
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From success plus -ful.
Full origin of successful →Frequently asked questions
What does “successful” mean?
The word “successful” means having achieved the intended goal or result. In plain terms, having achieved what was intended — the outcome you wanted actually happened.
How do you pronounce “successful”?
“Successful” is pronounced suhk-SEHS-fuhl (/səkˈsɛs.fəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “successful” in a sentence?
Here is “successful” used in a sentence: “The surgery was successful, and she recovered quickly.”
What part of speech is “successful”?
“Successful” is an adjective.
Is “successful” a common word?
“Successful” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between successful and effective?
'Successful' means the intended goal was actually achieved — the outcome happened. 'Effective' describes something that works well and produces a strong result, but it focuses on capability rather than the final win. A method can be effective without being successful in one attempt, and success is judged by results, not just efficiency.
What is the opposite of successful?
The direct opposite is 'unsuccessful', meaning the goal was not achieved. Related antonyms include 'failed', 'unproductive', and 'fruitless'. When describing people or businesses, 'struggling' or 'unprosperous' can also serve. The best choice depends on whether you mean a single failed attempt or an ongoing lack of achievement.
What does it mean to be successful?
To be successful is to have reached the goal you set out to achieve, whether that is passing an exam, growing a business, or finishing a project. Success is defined by the result matching the intention. It is personal, too — people measure it differently, by wealth, happiness, recognition, or simple accomplishment.