prosperity

noun

pros·​per·​i·​ty prä-ˈsper-ə-tē How to pronounce prosperity (audio)
: the condition of being successful or thriving
especially : economic well-being

Examples of prosperity in a Sentence

a period of prosperity for our nation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the Caribbean continues to innovate and grow, Carnival stands as a shining example of how tradition and entrepreneurship can dance in unison, driving prosperity across the diaspora. Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 At the end of World War II the United States used the prosperity that came with having its industrial and agricultural base intact to help other nations. Nicolaus Mills, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025 People of both parties think science is important for prosperity Political polarization around trust in science has grown in the last 25 years, and today Republicans trust scientists at much lower rates than Democrats. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 6 May 2025 For some, the American promise of freedom and prosperity seemed to ring hollow. Geoffrey Baym, The Conversation, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prosperity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prosperite, borrowed from Anglo-French prosperité, borrowed from Latin prosperitāt-, prosperitās "favorable state or outcome, success," from prosperus "agreeable to one's wishes, successful" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at prosperous

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosperity was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Prosperity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosperity. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

prosperity

noun
pros·​per·​i·​ty prä-ˈsper-ət-ē How to pronounce prosperity (audio)
: the state of being prosperous or successful

More from Merriam-Webster on prosperity

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