successive

[ suhk-ses-iv ]

adjective

1. following in order or in uninterrupted sequence; consecutive:

   three successive days.

2. following another in a regular sequence:

   the second successive day.

3. characterized by or involving succession.

successive

/ səkˈsɛsɪv /

adjective

1. following another without interruption
2. of or involving succession

   a successive process

Derived Forms

• sucˈcessiveness, noun
• sucˈcessively, adverb

Other Words From

• suc·ces·sive·ly adverb
• suc·ces·sive·ness noun
• non·suc·ces·sive adjective
• non·suc·ces·sive·ness noun
• un·suc·ces·sive adjective
• un·suc·ces·sive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of successive¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin successīvus, equivalent to success ( us ), past participle of succēdere to succeed + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

With each successive layer of networks, the U.S. became more potent.

From The Daily Beast

After the three others were killed in successive Israeli operations in the mid-1990s, Zeif took command.

From The Daily Beast

Laypeople tend to regard two successive quarters of negative growth as a recession.

From The Daily Beast

The West has seen what Putin has done with Russia during his successive terms in office.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps hotels will offer package deals through which visitors can visit all the talk-shows on three successive nights.

From The Daily Beast

Deppe believes that one must go through successive steps of preparation before one is fitted to attack the great concert works.

From Project Gutenberg

Marked variation in the amount at successive examinations strongly suggests a neurosis.

From Project Gutenberg

Successive examinations may show normal, increased, or diminished hydrochloric acid, or even entire absence of the free acid.

From Project Gutenberg

On lifting the fingers in successive order from the bottom end, we get the seven notes of the major scale.

From Project Gutenberg

In successive letters he reiterates the caution to beware of surprise and treason, and his anxiety for constant news.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consecutive
• ensuing
• subsequent
• succeeding