successful

[ suhk-ses-fuhl ]

adjective

1. achieving or having achieved success.
2. having attained wealth, position, honors, or the like.
3. resulting in or attended with success.

successful

/ səkˈsɛsfʊl /

adjective

1. having succeeded in one's endeavours
2. marked by a favourable outcome
3. having obtained fame, wealth, etc

Derived Forms

• sucˈcessfulness, noun
• sucˈcessfully, adverb

Other Words From

• suc·cessful·ly adverb
• suc·cessful·ness noun
• half-suc·cessful adjective
• half-suc·cessful·ly adverb
• half-suc·cessful·ness noun
• nonsuc·cessful adjective
• nonsuc·cessful·ly adverb
• presuc·cessful adjective
• presuc·cessful·ly adverb
• quasi-suc·cessful adjective
• quasi-suc·cessful·ly adverb
• semi·suc·cessful adjective
• semi·suc·cessful·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of successful¹

First recorded in 1580–90; success + -ful

Example Sentences

Gaetz, who led the successful effort to depose former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, claimed that the investigations were punishment for his defiance.

From Salon

Attempts to reach Mahoney by phone and through social media were not successful.

From Salon

The American, 40, retired in February 2019 but has announced her competitive comeback having had successful knee surgery in April.

From BBC

Also, a successful prior film doesn’t always guarantee a win for a long-returning sequel.

From Los Angeles Times

An added bonus — advancing an established and successful story is relatively low-risk.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fortunate
• fruitful
• happy
• lucky
• lucrative
• outstanding
• prosperous
• rewarding
• strong
• wealthy