Definitions
01achieving a goal
A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun
n. the fact of getting the result you wanted or reaching a goal.
n. the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Uncountable in this abstract sense.
日本語:成功※
“The hard work of the team led to the success of the project.”
“The long-term success of the initiative depends on consistent funding and the continued support of local community leaders.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'in' to show the area of achievement.
Pitfall
I wish you many success in your new job.
I wish you much success in your new job.
When 'success' means the general idea of doing well, it is uncountable and cannot be plural.
Synonyms
02wealth and status
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. becoming rich, famous, or respected for your work.
n. the attainment of wealth, favour, or eminence. Uncountable in this sense.
日本語:成功※
“After years of struggling, the young actor finally found success in Hollywood.”
“Despite his sudden commercial success, the artist remained remarkably grounded and continued to live in his modest studio apartment.”
Synonyms
03a successful person or thing
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a person or thing that does very well or is very popular.
n. a person or thing that achieves desired goals or attains prosperity. Countable in this sense.
日本語:ヒット※
“The new Italian restaurant has been a huge success since it opened.”
“The product launch was such a success that the company had to double its production capacity within the first three months.”
Usage
This sense is countable and can be used with 'a' or in the plural.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “success” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Sept. 23-25 state visit to Washington was described as a success, with new U.S.-China trade and investment mechanisms and tariff relief.” “But few would've expected arguably Netflix's biggest success this past month to be a reality series.” “Subtitled The Power of Passion and Perseverance, the text is the fruit of years studying the psychology of success.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin successus, from succēdō (“succeed”), from sub- (“next to”) + cēdō (“go, move”). Partly displaced native Old English spēd, whence Modern English speed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Idioms
01. success story
The word in film
Poster: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Sweet Smell of Success · 1957 · Film Noir
- Directed by:
- Alexander Mackendrick
- Starring:
- Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Martin Milner
Alexander Mackendrick directs this biting noir drama about a tyrannical Broadway columnist and an obsequious press agent desperate for his favor. The title coined the famous idiom for the intoxicating allure and moral compromises that accompany high social achievement.
Domain
- 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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/success
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0