successful

/səkˈsesfl/ (bre, ipa) · /səkˈsesfl/ (ame, ipa) · /sək-ˈses-fəl/ (ame, mw)

successful — adjective

  • successfulpositive
  • more successfulcomparative
  • most successfulsuperlative

1. Something that is successful produces the result that was wanted or planned for

1.形容詞A2
釋義

Something that is successful produces the result that was wanted or planned for it.

例句

Liam's training plan was successful because he finished the marathon in under four hours.

was successful + because-clause

The hospital's new treatment for skin infections has been highly successful.

highly successful (adverb + successful)

同義詞
  • effective

    focuses on producing the intended result, often used for methods or treatments

  • fruitful

    more formal and literary, emphasises good results from effort over time

  • productive

    stresses a large amount of positive output from work done

反義詞
  • unsuccessful

    the direct opposite; failing to achieve the goal

  • failed

    stronger, implies the attempt ended without any positive result

文法句型

be successful

successful in + V-ing

highly successful

用法筆記

Often describes the outcome of a plan, attempt, or effort. The pattern 'successful in + V-ing' is common in formal and written English.

常見錯誤

❌The plan was success.
✅The plan was successful.
💡'success' is a noun; 'successful' is the adjective form.
❌She was successful to pass the exam.
✅She was successful in passing the exam.
💡the correct pattern after 'successful' is 'in + V-ing', not a to-infinitive.

2. A successful person, business, or product has earned great wealth or become wide

2.形容詞A2
釋義

A successful person, business, or product has earned great wealth or become widely known and admired.

例句

Gabriela opened a small bakery that became so successful she opened two more branches.

so successful that + result clause

Kemi is one of the most successful fashion designers in Lagos.

one of the most successful + plural noun

同義詞
  • prosperous

    focuses specifically on financial wealth; more formal

  • thriving

    suggests ongoing growth and doing well, often used for businesses

  • accomplished

    emphasises skill and achievement in a field

反義詞
  • unsuccessful

    direct opposite; did not bring wealth or fame

  • failed

    stronger, suggests a complete lack of success

文法句型

be successful

successful + noun

highly/very successful

用法筆記

Can describe people, organisations, creative works (films, albums, books), or products. Frequently used in business and media contexts.

常見錯誤

❌He is success.
✅He is successful.
💡use the adjective 'successful', not the noun 'success'.
❌She made a success business.
✅She made a successful business.
💡'successful' modifies the noun 'business' directly.