Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having achieved a desired aim or result: Describes a person, thing, or action that has accomplished its goal or attained wealth, fame, or high status.
   • Marked by a favorable outcome: Indicates that an endeavor, event, or venture has ended well or profitably.

Usage

The adjective "successful" is used to describe nouns. It typically precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., a successful launch) or follows a linking verb like "be," "prove," or "become" (e.g., The event was successful).

Examples

• Before a noun:
  • She is a successful entrepreneur.
  • The team made a successful attempt to break the record.
• After a linking verb:
  • The surgery was successful.
  • His efforts to learn the language proved successful.

Advanced Usage

• "successful in + [verb]-ing / noun": Used to specify the area or activity in which success was achieved.
  • He was successful in convincing the committee.
  • The company has been successful in the European market.
• "highly successful": An intensifier used to emphasize a great degree of success.
  • The film was a highly successful blockbuster.

Variants and Related Words

• Success (n): The accomplishment of an aim or the favorable outcome itself.
  • The success of the project was celebrated.
• Successfully (adv): In a successful manner.
  • The mission was completed successfully.
• Unsuccessful (adj): The opposite of successful; not achieving success.
  • An unsuccessful negotiation.

Synonyms

• Prosperous: Having continued success, especially in financial terms.
• Triumphant: Having achieved a great victory or success.
• Effective: Successful in producing a desired or intended result.

Antonyms

• Unsuccessful: Failing to achieve success.
• Failed: Not successful; having collapsed or not worked.
• Fruitless: Failing to achieve the desired results; unproductive.

Adjective

1. having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
   • a successful architect
   • a successful business venture