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Synonyms

success

American  
[suhk-ses] / səkˈsɛs /

noun

  1. the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals.

  2. the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like.

    Synonyms:
    triumph, accomplishment, achievement
  3. a performance or achievement that is marked by success, as by the attainment of honors.

    The play was an instant success.

  4. 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.

  5. Obsolete. outcome.


success British  
/ səkˈsɛs /

noun

  1. the favourable outcome of something attempted

  2. the attainment of wealth, fame, etc

  3. an action, performance, etc, that is characterized by success

  4. a person or thing that is successful

  5. obsolete any outcome

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Winners 2-1 on the night, Bodo's 5-2 aggregate success secured their place in the Champions League last 16 for the first time, where they will face either Manchester City or Sporting.

From BBC

Environment minister Mary Creagh said councils had also had a "significant uplift in this year's budget" to help "make this policy a success".

From BBC

The success of any plan to provide retirement-plan access to workers who currently lack it depends on the details.

From MarketWatch

The appetite, as proven by Paul and Netflix's past success, is absolutely there.

From BBC

I ask her what the small child she was then would think of her success.

From BBC