success

success — noun

1. the fact that a plan, effort, or attempt ends with the result that was intended

1.nounB1
Definition

the fact that a plan, effort, or attempt ends with the result that was intended or desired

Example

After months of practice, Bilal finally found success in his first piano competition.

find success in [activity]

The team measured their success by how many families they helped find housing.

measure success by [criterion]

Common collocations
  • achieve success
  • enjoy success
  • find success
  • great success
  • success rate
  • success in
  • success with
Synonyms
  • achievement

    more personal and effort-focused; 'success' often implies external recognition of a desired result

  • accomplishment

    suggests skill or mastery; slightly more formal than 'success'

  • triumph

    a very great success, especially one achieved after difficulty

Antonyms
  • failure

    the opposite result — not achieving what was intended

Grammar Patterns

success in [noun/gerund]

success with [noun]

Usage Note

Uncountable in this sense. Do not use 'a' or 'an' before it: 'Success depends on hard work' (not 'a success depends').

Common Mistakes

He had a big success in passing the exam.
He had great success in passing the exam.
When referring to the abstract concept, 'success' is uncountable and takes no article.
She succeeded to get the job.
She succeeded in getting the job.
The related verb 'succeed' takes 'in + gerund', not a to-infinitive.

2. a person, event, or piece of work that produces good results or is admired

2.nounB1
Definition

a person, event, or piece of work that produces good results or is admired

Example

The school play was such a success that they added two extra shows.

be a success

Ryo's small café turned into a success within just two months of opening.

turn into a success

Common collocations
  • be a success
  • prove a success
  • commercial success
  • critical success
  • great success
  • big success
Synonyms
  • hit

    informal; used for movies, songs, products that are very popular

  • achievement

    focuses on the effort behind the result rather than the result itself

Antonyms
  • failure

    something that does not achieve its intended purpose

  • flop

    informal; a complete failure, especially of entertainment or products

Grammar Patterns

be a [modifier] success

turn into a success

Usage Note

Countable — takes 'a' or 'an'. Often needs a modifier (commercial, big, great) or context to specify what kind of success. Without a modifier, 'it was a success' can sound vague.

Common Mistakes

The party was success.
The party was a success.
In the countable sense, an article is required.

3. a high position in society that includes money, fame, or status, often achieved

3.nounB1
Definition

a high position in society that includes money, fame, or status, often achieved through hard work

Example

In many classic novels, the hero rises from poverty to success and wealth.

rise from poverty to success

Gabriela's parents pushed her toward success in the business world.

Common collocations
  • path to success
  • climb to success
  • drive for success
  • measure of success
  • success story
  • rise to success
Synonyms
  • prosperity

    focuses on wealth and financial well-being; narrower and more formal

  • prominence

    focuses on fame and being well-known; does not imply wealth

  • achievement

    broader; can include personal success not tied to money or fame

Antonyms
  • poverty

    opposite in terms of wealth

  • obscurity

    opposite in terms of fame and social recognition

Grammar Patterns

path to success

climb to success

Usage Note

Uncountable, like sense 1, but restricted to social/financial contexts. Not used for personal achievements like learning a skill. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 is about any desired result (passing a test, finishing a project), while sense 3 specifically means wealth, fame, or social standing.

Common Mistakes

Her painting was a success in the art world' (when meaning she became famous).
She found success in the art world.
Social/financial success is uncountable and refers to a state, not a single work.
Idioms

nothing succeeds like success

idiom

Being successful in one area often helps you become successful in other areas too.

After winning the science fair, Mia got a scholarship and a job offer.

Does nothing succeed like success? Brian's first book sold well, so publishers want more.

a resounding success

idiom

An extremely great success.

The charity concert was a resounding success, raising over ten thousand dollars.

Was the new product launch a resounding success? Yes, it sold out in one day.

the sweet smell of success

idiom

The pleasant feeling you get when you are successful.

After years of hard work, Sara finally enjoyed the sweet smell of success.

Diego tasted the sweet smell of success when his startup was bought by a big company.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four describe positive results, but they differ in scope and connotation. 'Success' is the broadest — it simply means a desired outcome is reached, whether in exams, business, or personal goals. 'Achievement' emphasises the effort and skill behind the result ('finishing a marathon is a great achievement'). 'Accomplishment' is similar but slightly more formal and often suggests mastery or completion of a complex task ('her scientific accomplishments earned her a prize'). 'Triumph' implies a spectacular success, especially after struggle or against an opponent ('the election was a triumph for the party'). 'Victory' is the narrowest, tied to winning in competition, war, or sport. Use 'success' for everyday positive outcomes; use 'victory' or 'triumph' when there is a clear contest.

achievement ↗accomplishment ↗triumph ↗victory ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • recipe for success
  • measure of success
  • road to success
  • track record of success

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'success' entered English from French 'success' in the 16th century, originally meaning simply 'outcome' or 'result'. It traces back to Latin 'successus' (a coming up, good result), from 'succedere' (to come after, go up to). The shift from 'any outcome' to 'a favourable outcome' happened in the 1500s. The older neutral sense survives in the phrase 'success of events' meaning 'how things turn out'.