success
Americannoun
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the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals.
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the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like.
- Synonyms:
- triumph, accomplishment, achievement
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a performance or achievement that is marked by success, as by the attainment of honors.
The play was an instant success.
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a person or thing that has had success, as measured by attainment of goals, wealth, etc..
She was a great success on the talk show.
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Obsolete. outcome.
noun
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the favourable outcome of something attempted
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the attainment of wealth, fame, etc
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an action, performance, etc, that is characterized by success
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a person or thing that is successful
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obsolete any outcome
Other Word Forms
- nonsuccess noun
- presuccess noun
- semisuccess adjective
- successless adjective
- successlessly adverb
- successlessness noun
Etymology
Origin of success
First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin successus, equivalent to succēd-, stem of succēdere succeed + -tus suffix of verb action, with -dt- regularly becoming -ss-
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.
How his season is viewed will ultimately be determined by the level of collective success Arsenal have by the end of the season.
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026
Following the single’s success, Rodrigo released “Sour” in May 2021.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
Analysts say the U.S. and Israel achieved tactical military success, but Iran tightened its hold over the Strait of Hormuz.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
In his eyes, Karp is one of the drivers behind Palantir’s success.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
That we are one step closer to the mission being a success.
From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga
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.
