success
/səkˈsɛs/
Success is defined by the gap between an intention and its realization. It carries a strong positive charge, usually associated with triumph, satisfaction, and the validation of effort. Depending on context, it shifts from an abstract state (achieving a goal) to a concrete metric (money or fame). While "achievement" focuses on the act of completing something difficult, "success" often implies the favorable outcome or the status that follows. In modern usage, there is a tension between 'internal success' (personal fulfillment) and 'external success' (societal recognition), though the word itself is most frequently used in public or professional contexts to denote high performance.
Uncountable when referring to the general state of achieving a goal ('The road to success is long'). Countable when referring to a specific successful person, event, or product ('The party was a huge success' or 'He is a great success in his career').
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
achieve success
To successfully reach a desired goal or objective.
commercial success
The attainment of financial profit or widespread market popularity.
key to success
The essential factor or requirement for achieving a goal.
overnight success
A person or thing that becomes successful very quickly.
measure of success
The standard used to determine if a particular aim has been accomplished.
Idioms & Sayings
a roaring success
An overwhelming or complete success.
the secret of success
The specific method or quality that leads to achieving one's goals.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French 'succès', which originates from the Latin 'successus', the past participle of 'succedere' (meaning 'to come after', 'to follow', or 'to ensue'), from 'sub-' ('under') + 'cedere' ('to go'). Originally, it referred to the outcome or result of an event, regardless of whether that result was positive or negative, before evolving into its primary modern sense of a favorable outcome.