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

• flourishing
• going
• palmy
• prosperous
• thriving
• triumphant

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

Now that the Israeli attacks have proven more successful than expected, and the Iranian response less effective, Trump is having second thoughts about staying on the sidelines. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025

One of them, fourth-liner A.J. Greer, explained what makes Florida so successful. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. —Ozan Ozerk, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

The first-stage booster flew for a record 23rd time, but did not make a successful landing. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025

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