successful - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
successful Word Meanings
- having achieved success
- resulting in a favorable outcome
- bringing a positive result
successful Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
successful Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/səkˈsɛsfəl/
US
/səkˈsɛsfəl/
successful Word Etymology
suc- = from, cess- = go; Latin 'successus' came to Old French 'succes' before entering English. Imagine a runner crossing the finish line first, celebrating their victory.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move my hand to the door handle, push, then pull it open a crack. I set my feet, shift my weight, and step through with steady intention. A small win settles in as the space accepts my effort, and I feel successful. I keep the pace, adjust my breath, and trust the next move will turn out right.
Real Context
Successful describes someone who has achieved the desired result or a plan that produced a favorable outcome. It can describe a person who wins a competition, a project that finishes on time and meets goals, or a policy that delivers positive effects for a group. In everyday speech we say a successful career, a successful campaign, or a successful outcome. It implies the result exceeded expectations or met the objectives, rather than just effort. Collocations include successful + noun (successful businessman), and successfully as the adverb form. The word focuses on the end result, not the process alone, and it is common in business, sports, and education contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Use successful to describe results, not just effort.
- Common collocations include successful + noun and successful in/at [area].
- Use successfully to describe how something is done.
- Contrast with unsuccessful to talk about failure or setbacks.
- Avoid using as a broad personal trait; focus on the outcome.
Common Misconceptions
- Successful means luck more than planning or effort.
- Confusing success (a noun) with successful (an adjective).
- Assuming a person is always successful in every field.
- Thinking it describes mood or character rather than results.
- Using the wrong preposition after successful (in/at) without checking the context.
Thinking Differences
English speakers tend to treat successful as a broad positive evaluation tied to outcomes rather than effort; learners often confuse it with success as a noun and worry about personal traits.
Learning Tips
- Memorize key collocations: successful career, successful outcome, successful campaign.
- Remember the adverb form: is something done successfully.
- Compare be successful in/at with succeed in/at to choose the right verb.
- Practice contrasting successful with unsuccessful and failure.
- Use summaries like outcomes first, listeners remember results.
- Read and listen to business, sports, and education contexts for natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'successful' used correctly?
A.He was successful in achieving his goals.
B.She was successful in failing the exam.
C.They were successful at being lazy.
D.I am not successful because I work hard.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'successful'?
A.Unproductive
B.Fruitful
C.Ineffective
D.Lethargic
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'successful'?
A.Unsuccessful
B.Accomplished
C.Productive
D.Competent
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a situation where someone can be described as 'successful'?
A.Winning a competition
B.Failing a test
C.Being late for work
D.Ignoring responsibilities
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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