English Reference

Word

prosperity

Phoneticspros·per·i·ty, stress on the second syllable

US/pɹɑˈspɛɹəti/

UK/pɹəspˈɛɹɪti/

Uncountable noun

Definition

n. the state of being successful, especially by having enough money and good living conditions. It describes a time when a person or a country is doing well financially.

n. the condition of being successful or thriving, particularly regarding economic well-being and material wealth.

Examples

“The country enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity.”

“New trade agreements brought a level of prosperity to the region that had not been seen in decades.”

“Economists argue that sustainable prosperity requires not only high GDP growth but also equitable distribution of wealth and access to education.”

Examples

simple

“The country enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity.”

contextual

“New trade agreements brought a level of prosperity to the region that had not been seen in decades.”

complex

“Economists argue that sustainable prosperity requires not only high GDP growth but also equitable distribution of wealth and access to education.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “prosperity” in context.

Verb

01. bring prosperity to the region

“The construction of the new international airport is expected to bring prosperity to the region.”

verb + noun + prep + adj + noun

02. hinder economic prosperity

“High inflation rates and political instability can significantly hinder economic prosperity.”

verb + adj + noun

03. share in the prosperity

“The government aims to ensure that all citizens share in the prosperity generated by the oil boom.”

verb + prep + noun

Adjective

04. long-term prosperity

“Sustainable energy policies are essential for the long-term prosperity of the nation.”

adj + noun

05. unprecedented prosperity

“The post-war era was a period of unprecedented prosperity for the middle class.”

adj + noun

06. widespread prosperity

“The new trade agreement led to widespread prosperity across the continent.”

adj + noun

Noun

07. path to prosperity

“Education and innovation are often seen as the primary path to prosperity for developing countries.”

noun + prep + noun

08. period of prosperity

“After years of recession, the country is finally entering a sustained period of prosperity.”

noun + of + noun

Usage

Typically functions as an uncountable abstract noun; often follows verbs like 'achieve', 'bring', or 'promote'.

Real-World Examples

“On his telling, by the mid-20th century democracy with liberal characteristics had amply proved its worth: blue-collar labour was generously rewarded, and there was a sense of “shared prosperity”.”
The Guardian 7 Aug 2026
“She is surrounded by the symbols of mid-century American prosperity: a chair by Le Corbusier, a tasteful modernist sculpture.”
The Guardian 14 Aug 2026

Word family

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference