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
successfulness
noun
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
Brind’Amour challenged that play for goaltender interference and was successful.
—
Chris Johnston, New York Times, 7 June 2026
He was released following a hunger strike and a successful appeal that got the original charges thrown out.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2026
Due to their effective defense mechanism, skunks are relatively successful in avoiding predators and live about seven years in the wild.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
With limited resources available, every decision carried enormous weight, especially given that both her conditions can affect fertility and reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for successful
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Chris Johnston, New York Times, 7 June 2026
He was released following a hunger strike and a successful appeal that got the original charges thrown out.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2026
Due to their effective defense mechanism, skunks are relatively successful in avoiding predators and live about seven years in the wild.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
With limited resources available, every decision carried enormous weight, especially given that both her conditions can affect fertility and reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for successful
Cite this Entry
“Successful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successful. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
successful
adjective
suc·cess·ful
sək-ˈses-fəl
1
: resulting or ending in success
2
: gaining or having gained success
successfulness
noun
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