Success is the positive result of effort directed toward a specific goal.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Achieving a goal or desired result.
- Reaching a high status or wealth.
- Completing a task effectively.
Overview
Success is a versatile noun used to describe the positive outcome of an effort or endeavor. At its most basic level, it means achieving what one intended to do. In a broader sense, it is often associated with reaching high levels of professional achievement, financial stability, or public recognition.
Usage Patterns
Success is commonly used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general concept (e.g., 'Success takes time'). However, it can be used as a countable noun when referring to a specific person or event that is successful (e.g., 'The party was a great success'). It is frequently paired with verbs like 'achieve,' 'attain,' or 'enjoy.'
Common Contexts
In professional settings, success is tied to career advancement, meeting targets, or business growth. In personal life, it might refer to graduating from school, raising a family, or overcoming a personal challenge. In media, success is often synonymous with celebrity and wealth.
Similar Words Comparison: 'Victory' is similar but specifically implies winning a competition or battle against an opponent. 'Achievement' focuses more on the act of completing something difficult, whereas 'success' highlights the positive result of that act. 'Prosperity' is more specific to financial or material success, while 'success' remains a broader, more flexible term covering all aspects of life.
Examples
Her hard work led to her success.
everydayHer hard work led to her success.
The project was a huge success.
formalThe project was a huge success.
Wishing you much success in your new job!
informalWishing you much success in your new job!
The success of the experiment was unexpected.
academicThe success of the experiment was unexpected.
Synonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
key to success
the most important factor for success
a roaring success
a very large success
taste of success
the experience of being successful
Often Confused With
Victory implies a win over an opponent or enemy. Success is about achieving a goal, which does not necessarily involve a competitor.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Success is a neutral to formal noun. It is widely used in both professional and casual conversation. Ensure you use the correct form: success (noun), succeed (verb), and successful (adjective).
Common Mistakes
Students often use 'succeed' as a noun, saying 'my succeed' instead of 'my success.' Another common error is using 'success' as an adjective, such as 'a success person,' which should be 'a successful person.'
Tips
Use verbs like achieve or enjoy
Pair success with strong verbs to sound more natural. Say 'achieve success' or 'enjoy success' rather than just 'have success'.
Avoid confusing success with succeed
Remember that success is the goal, and to succeed is the action. You succeed at a task to achieve success.
Defining success across different cultures
In some cultures, success is defined by collective family achievement. In others, it is strictly individualistic and competitive.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Latin 'successus,' meaning 'an advance' or 'a good result.' It is derived from the verb 'succedere,' which means 'to come after' or 'to follow.'
Cultural Context
In many Western societies, success is heavily linked to individual ambition and career growth. However, the definition is evolving to include work-life balance and mental well-being.
Memory Tip
Think of the double 'c' and double 's' in success as 'certainly super.' If you work hard, you will certainly be super successful!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, success is subjective. It can mean personal happiness, health, or completing a small task, not just financial gain.
No, success is a noun. The verb form is 'succeed'.
Success is the noun (the thing itself), while successful is the adjective (describing a person or thing that has achieved success).
It is usually uncountable, but can be countable when referring to a specific successful event or person.
Test Yourself
Hard work is often the key to ___.
We need a noun here after the 'to' prepositional phrase.
Score: /1
Summary
Success is the positive result of effort directed toward a specific goal.
- Achieving a goal or desired result.
- Reaching a high status or wealth.
- Completing a task effectively.
Use verbs like achieve or enjoy
Pair success with strong verbs to sound more natural. Say 'achieve success' or 'enjoy success' rather than just 'have success'.
Avoid confusing success with succeed
Remember that success is the goal, and to succeed is the action. You succeed at a task to achieve success.
Defining success across different cultures
In some cultures, success is defined by collective family achievement. In others, it is strictly individualistic and competitive.
Examples
4 of 4Her hard work led to her success.
Her hard work led to her success.
The project was a huge success.
The project was a huge success.
Wishing you much success in your new job!
Wishing you much success in your new job!
The success of the experiment was unexpected.
The success of the experiment was unexpected.
Quick Quiz
Hard work is often the key to ______ in your career.
Correct!
The correct answer is: success
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Learn it in Context
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