adjective
successful
Achieving a desired result.
The surgery is successful, and she is recovering at home.
Etymology
Success originally concerned an outcome, later especially a favorable one. Successful describes an action or person attaining that desired outcome.
More examples
- He is successful in persuading the council to repair the bridge.
- A successful fundraiser brings in enough money for new uniforms.
- Their second attempt to unlock the door is successful.
Forms
successful · more successful · most successful
success noun — The achievement of a desired result.
successfully adverb — In a way that achieves its goal.
Similar words
- effective
- Emphasizes producing the intended effect rather than overall achievement.
- fruitful
- Emphasizes useful results, often from effort or discussion.