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

Bush imposed a moratorium on further tests in October 1992 that has been continued by successive administrations.

Read more on Barron's

Reigning champions Liverpool have lost four successive Premier League games, having started with five wins, leaving them seventh in the table.

Read more on BBC

It is a question that successive governments have struggled with: what kind of threat does China really pose to the UK?

Read more on BBC

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving them eight points adrift in second place, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.

Read more on BBC

“The war would be over if not for the U.A.E.,” said Cameron Hudson, a former chief of staff to successive U.S. presidential special envoys for Sudan.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• consecutive 
• ensuing 
• subsequent 
• succeeding