successful
suhk-SEHS-fuhl
Successful (adjective) means having achieved the intended goal or result. Example: “Her first novel was so successful that she gave up her day job.”
adjective
1
Having achieved the intended goal or result.
"Her first novel was so successful that she gave up her day job."
"The surgery was successful, and she recovered quickly."
"He built a successful business from a small workshop."
How to use successful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving achieved what was intended — the outcome you wanted actually happened.
Common pairings
successful career
highly successful
successful attempt
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more successful
- Superlative
- most successful
Fill the gap
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Her first novel was so _____ that she gave up her day job.
Etymology
From success plus -ful.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for successful
See all rhymes for 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.
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