English Reference
adjective

prosperous

adj.
US /ˈpɹɑspɝəs/ UK /pɹˈɒspəɹəs/ pros·per·ous

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    successful and having a lot of money.

    characterised by financial success, affluence, and material well-being.

    Simple

    The city became very prosperous after the new tech companies moved in.

    In context

    The region's prosperous middle class drove a surge in demand for luxury goods and high-end services throughout the decade.

    Usage

    often describes businesses, countries, or families.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    likely to bring success or good results.

    tending to favour or bring about success; auspicious or promising.

    Simple

    The ship waited for a prosperous wind before leaving the harbour.

    In context

    Despite a prosperous start to the negotiations, the two parties eventually reached a deadlock over environmental regulations.

    Usage

    usually describes conditions, winds, or beginnings.

    unfavourableunpromising

She lived a relatively prosperous life – she had a home and her children went to school.

UN News· 21 Aug 2026

This season appeared to get off to a prosperous start until the roof began to cave in over in Austria.

BBC News· 25 Aug 2026

From Middle French prospereus, from Old French prosperer, from Latin prosperō (“to cause to succeed”), from Old Latin pro spere (“according to expectation”), from pro (“for”) + spes (“hope”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin itc-ola pro spere
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated