successive
Americanadjective
-
following in order or in uninterrupted sequence; consecutive.
three successive days.
-
following another in a regular sequence.
the second successive day.
-
characterized by or involving succession.
adjective
-
following another without interruption
-
of or involving succession
a successive process
Other Word Forms
- nonsuccessive adjective
- nonsuccessiveness noun
- successively adverb
- successiveness noun
- unsuccessive adjective
- unsuccessiveness noun
Etymology
Origin of successive
1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin successīvus, equivalent to success ( us ), past participle of succēdere to succeed + -īvus -ive
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.
The Fed left rates unchanged at its March meeting, extending a pause after three successive cuts late last year.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
The Fed left rates unchanged at its March meeting, extending a pause after three successive cuts late last year.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
For a third successive campaign, Wales are two home wins away from qualifying for a major tournament.
From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026
The Welshman joined Swansea City as player-manager in 1978 and famously led the club from the Fourth Division to the First with successive promotions, as well as three Welsh Cup titles.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026
A roar radiated outward as successive strata of the crowd learned that the key had been pressed.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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.
