Successful means achieving a desired outcome or goal, indicating positive results and accomplishment.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Achieving a desired goal or outcome.
- Indicates positive results and accomplishment.
- Used for people, things, or events.
Overview
The word 'successful' is an adjective used to describe someone or something that has achieved a desired outcome, goal, or level of accomplishment. It implies a positive result after effort or a period of activity. When we call a venture, a person, or even an event 'successful,' we mean it has met or exceeded expectations, often leading to recognition, profit, or general satisfaction.
Usage Patterns
'Successful' is a versatile word used in both formal and informal settings. In spoken English, it's common in everyday conversations about achievements, from personal goals to professional milestones. In written English, it appears frequently in news articles, business reports, academic papers, and personal narratives. Its formality can vary; for instance, 'a successful business merger' is more formal than 'I had a successful day at the park.'
Common Contexts
This adjective is prevalent in many areas of life. In the workplace, it's used to describe profitable companies, effective projects, or high-achieving employees. In education, a student might be called successful if they pass exams or get into a good university. In personal life, it can refer to a happy marriage, a well-executed party, or a personal challenge overcome. For example, 'She was successful in her career' or 'The event was a great success.' The opposite, 'unsuccessful,' is used to denote failure to achieve a goal.
Examples
The new restaurant has been very successful since it opened.
daily lifeEl nuevo restaurante ha tenido mucho éxito desde que abrió.
She worked hard to become a successful businesswoman.
careerElla trabajó duro para convertirse en una empresaria exitosa.
Their attempt to climb the mountain was successful.
activitySu intento de escalar la montaña fue exitoso.
The scientific experiment was successful, yielding important data.
academicEl experimento científico fue exitoso, produciendo datos importantes.
He hoped his first date would be successful.
informalÉl esperaba que su primera cita fuera un éxito.
The company reported a successful quarter with record profits.
businessLa compañía reportó un trimestre exitoso con ganancias récord.
Synonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a successful career
una carrera exitosa
have a successful outcome
tener un resultado exitoso
be successful in something
tener éxito en algo
Often Confused With
'Succeed' is a verb meaning to achieve a goal or come after someone. 'Successful' is an adjective describing the result of succeeding.
'Success' is a noun referring to the achievement of a goal or the state of being successful. 'Successful' is the adjective form.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'successful' to describe people, projects, events, or outcomes that have met their objectives. It is a positive descriptor that implies a favorable result after effort or planning.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse the adjective 'successful' with the verb 'succeed' or the noun 'success'. Ensure you use the correct part of speech based on the sentence structure.
Tips
Focus on your goals
Think about what 'successful' means to you personally. Setting and achieving small goals can lead to a feeling of success.
Avoid comparison
Be careful not to compare your definition of success with others', as it can lead to dissatisfaction. Focus on your own journey.
Cultural perspectives on success
Different cultures may define success differently, often emphasizing community, family, or spiritual well-being alongside individual achievement.
Word Origin
From Latin 'succedere', meaning 'to come after, take the place of, prosper, achieve'. The adjective form developed later.
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, individual achievement and career success are highly valued. However, definitions of success can vary widely across different cultures and individuals.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'sue' who is 'cess'-fully climbing the ladder of success!
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe opposite of 'successful' is 'unsuccessful' or 'failed'.
Yes, 'successful' can describe things like projects, businesses, events, or even attempts that have achieved their goals.
Yes, 'successful' is generally a positive term, implying achievement and good results.
While success can contribute to happiness, 'successful' focuses on achieving external goals or results, whereas 'happy' describes an internal emotional state.
Absolutely. Success is defined by achieving one's own goals, which can be personal, academic, or relational, not necessarily fame or wealth.
'Successful' is an adjective.
You use it to describe a noun, for example: 'She had a successful career in medicine.'
The noun form is 'success'.
The adverb form is 'successfully'.
No, 'successful' can refer to any achieved goal, big or small, depending on the context.
Test Yourself
After months of hard work, the team finally launched a ___ product.
'Successful' is an adjective describing the noun 'product'.
What does 'successful' mean?
The core meaning of 'successful' is achieving a desired outcome or goal.
was / her / very / presentation / successful
This sentence correctly uses 'successful' as an adjective to describe the noun 'presentation'.
Score: /3
Summary
Successful means achieving a desired outcome or goal, indicating positive results and accomplishment.
- Achieving a desired goal or outcome.
- Indicates positive results and accomplishment.
- Used for people, things, or events.
Focus on your goals
Think about what 'successful' means to you personally. Setting and achieving small goals can lead to a feeling of success.
Avoid comparison
Be careful not to compare your definition of success with others', as it can lead to dissatisfaction. Focus on your own journey.
Cultural perspectives on success
Different cultures may define success differently, often emphasizing community, family, or spiritual well-being alongside individual achievement.
Examples
6 of 6The new restaurant has been very successful since it opened.
El nuevo restaurante ha tenido mucho éxito desde que abrió.
She worked hard to become a successful businesswoman.
Ella trabajó duro para convertirse en una empresaria exitosa.
Their attempt to climb the mountain was successful.
Su intento de escalar la montaña fue exitoso.
The scientific experiment was successful, yielding important data.
El experimento científico fue exitoso, produciendo datos importantes.
He hoped his first date would be successful.
Él esperaba que su primera cita fuera un éxito.
The company reported a successful quarter with record profits.
La compañía reportó un trimestre exitoso con ganancias récord.
Quick Quiz
If you work hard and study every day, you will be ______ in your exams.
Correct!
The correct answer is: successful
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