succession

[suhk-sesh-uhn]

noun

1. the coming of one person or thing after another in order, sequence, or in the course of events.

   many troubles in succession.

2. a number of persons or things following one another in order or sequence.

3. the right, act, or process, by which one person succeeds to the office, rank, estate, or the like, of another.

4. the order or line of those entitled to succeed one another.

5. the descent or transmission of a throne, dignity, estate, or the like.

6. Also called ecological succession. Ecology.,  the progressive replacement of one community by another until a climax community is established.

succession

/ səkˈsɛʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of one person or thing following another

2. a number of people or things following one another in order

3. the act, process, or right by which one person succeeds to the office, etc, of another

4. the order that determines how one person or thing follows another

5. a line of descent to a title, etc

6. ecology the sum of the changes in the composition of a community that occur during its development towards a stable climax community

7. in a manner such that one thing is followed uninterruptedly by another

succession

1. The gradual replacement of one type of ecological community by another in the same area, involving a series of orderly changes, especially in the dominant vegetation. Succession is usually initiated by a significant disturbance of an existing community. Each succeeding community modifies the physical environment, as by introducing shade or changing the fertility or acidity of the soil, creating new conditions that benefit certain species and inhibit others until a climax community is established.

2. ◆ The sequential development of plant and animal communities in an area in which no topsoil exists, as on a new lava flow, is called primary succession.

3. ◆ The development of such communities in an area that has been disturbed but still retains its topsoil, as in a burned-over area, is called secondary succession.

4. See more at climax community

Other Word Forms

• successional adjective
• successionally adverb
• nonsuccession noun
• nonsuccessional adjective
• nonsuccessionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of succession¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Latin successiōn- (stem of successiō ) “a following (someone) in office,” equivalent to success(us), past participle of succēdere “to succeed” ( succeed ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of succession¹

C14: from Latin successio, from succēdere to _succeed

Synonym Study

See series.

Example Sentences

Macron's decision to call snap elections in mid-2024 left France with a hung parliament and a succession of minority governments.

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Wielding a remote control that brought up a succession of graphs, she sought to persuade activists - and the voters at home - that "anyone with half a brain can see that won't cut bills".

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They had a much better showing at this year's Rugby Championship with wins over South Africa and Argentina allowing them to finish third - an improvement on two last-place finishes in succession.

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It also rises around sunset for several evenings in succession creating extra light for farmers working outside.

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I press the key a few times in quick succession, and the responses suddenly stop.

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Related Words

• cycle 
• progression 
• series 
• string