succès d'estime

American  

[syk-se des-teem] / sük sɛ dɛsˈtim /

noun

French.

1. success won by reason of merit and critical respect rather than by popularity.

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succès d'estime British  

/ syksɛ dɛstim /

noun

1. success, as of a book, play, etc, based on the appreciation of the critics rather than popular acclaim

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Etymology

Origin of succès d'estime

literally: success of esteem

Example Sentences

The production, which launched at New York City Center before transferring to Broadway, proved that a succès d’estime could also be an emotionally stirring hit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2025

Still, it was more succès d’estime than moneymaker.

From New York Times • Jul. 1, 2023

The show became the succès d’estime and de scandale of the London season, and in 1965 moved from the West End to Broadway.

From New York Times • Feb. 20, 2018

Sondheim's customary routine is the succès d'estime — prestige over box office.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2014

But a succès d'estime fills no purses, and favorable reviews in the literary periodicals are not "negotiable paper."

From The Spinner's Book of Fiction by Various