prosperity
Americannoun
plural
prosperities-
a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, especially in financial respects; good fortune.
-
prosperities, prosperous circumstances, characterized by financial success or good fortune.
noun
Usage
What does prosperity mean? Prosperity is success or the state of success, especially financial or material success.Prosperity often implies success in terms of wealth, health, and happiness. But it can also be used more broadly.The verb prosper means to achieve prosperity. Someone who achieves prosperity can be described as prosperous.The word prosperity is often paired with words like peace and wealth, such as when wishing people well, as in May your year be full of peace and prosperity. Example: You can achieve prosperity through dedication and hard work.
Other Word Forms
- nonprosperity noun
Etymology
Origin of prosperity
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English prosperite, from Old French, from Latin prosperitās; prosperous, -ity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a statement, minister Paul Givan said that "high‑quality education is fundamental to the wellbeing of our children and to the future prosperity of Northern Ireland".
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
Because people buy such offerings specifically to help them achieve their aspirations — whether that’s improving well-being, increasing prosperity or developing knowledge.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026
Mario H. Lopez is the president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, a public policy advocacy organization that promotes liberty, opportunity and prosperity for all.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
That led to nearly 50 years of expanding prosperity during the period often described as Pax Americana.
From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026
Farther south, signs of prosperity began to reappear.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
