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

Derived Forms

• sucˈcessiveness, noun
• sucˈcessively, adverb

Other Words From

• suc·ces·sive·ly adverb
• suc·ces·sive·ness noun
• non·suc·ces·sive adjective
• non·suc·ces·sive·ness noun
• un·suc·ces·sive adjective
• un·suc·ces·sive·ness 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

Wales slumped to a record-equalling 10th successive Test match defeat last weekend, with the current sequence matching a run of failures in 2002 and 2003 under Gatland's fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen.

From BBC

Harvey previously told BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme she wrote Orbital over the course of successive lockdowns.

From BBC

For decades in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids were removed from their families as part of an assimilation policy from successive governments.

From BBC

Warren Gatland's Wales equalled the country's record losing international streak of 10 successive Test defeats after Fiji triumphed in Cardiff.

From BBC

"The infections happened because those in authority - doctors, the blood services and successive governments - did not put patient safety first."

From BBC

Related Words

• consecutive
• ensuing
• subsequent
• succeeding