successful
- 1Achieving the aim that was intended and producing the result that was wanted or planned.
Like a key that fits the lock and opens the door on the first try.
The campaign was highly successful, exceeding every goal the team had set.
A successful negotiation left both sides satisfied with the final agreement.
UsageSay successful in doing something: successful in raising money. The noun is a success: the party was a success.
Similareffective, fruitful, efficacious
Oppositeunsuccessful, failed
- 2Describes someone who has achieved wealth, fame, popularity or high rank, or a business, product or work that earns money or wins a wide following.
He left a successful career in banking to become a teacher.
The novel was so successful that it was translated into thirty languages.
UsageOften before a job word: a successful doctor. For a field, say successful in business or successful as a writer.
Similarprosperous, thriving, popular, flourishing, profitable
Oppositeunsuccessful, failed
Practice
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Origin
Formed from "success" combined with the suffix "-ful".
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- Successful was formed from success and the suffix -ful. en.wiktionary.org