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

Other Word Forms

• successively adverb
• successiveness noun
• nonsuccessive adjective
• nonsuccessiveness noun
• unsuccessive adjective
• unsuccessiveness 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

But successive rounds of negotiations failed to reach an agreement.

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England have reached successive European Championship finals but have not gone beyond the semi-finals at a World Cup since winning the competition in 1966.

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Claudia Mendoza, the head of the Jewish Leadership Council, believes there has been a failure by successive governments in the UK to confront violent jihadist language and tackle antisemitic hate.

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But over there, long after successive monarchs surrendered their absolute power, it has come to represent tradition, national unity and stability.

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The 2021 US Open champion broke in the first game before Li won six successive games - dropping only one point on serve - to wrap up the opening set in 28 minutes.

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Related Words

• consecutive 
• ensuing 
• subsequent 
• succeeding