successful

adjective

suc·​cess·​ful sək-ˈses-fəl 

1

: resulting or terminating in success

a successful attempt

2

: gaining or having gained success

a successful investor

successfully

sək-ˈses-fə-lē 

adverb

successfulness noun

Synonyms of successful

• prosperous
• thriving

Examples of successful in a Sentence

the play had a successful run on Broadway

sold their successful dry-cleaning business and retired to Hawaii

Recent Examples on the Web

Fathia Aulia, a recent fashion merchandising graduate from London’s University of Westminster, believes her curiosity boosted her successful application for a merchandising role at Harrods. — Cami Fateh, Vogue, 22 July 2026

Pushing up, squeezing play and trying to regain the ball in advanced positions is a perfectly viable and often successful strategy, particularly when treated as a useful add-on to quality in possession. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026

This year’s celebration also follows Kansas City’s successful run as a host city for the FIFA World Cup. — Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

She’s seen even sizable, otherwise successful companies arrive at the deal table with messy operational and financial documentation. — John Hall, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for successful

• distressful
• stressful
• unsuccessful

Kids Definition

successful

adjective

suc·​cess·​ful sək-ˈses-fəl 

1

: resulting or ending in success

2

: gaining or having gained success

successfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

successfulness noun