Succeed: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒŸ
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succeed

 

[ sษ™kหˆsiหd ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

in business

Achieve the desired aim or result.

Synonyms

accomplish, achieve, prosper, thrive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
succeed

Generally used when referring to achieving goals or objectives, often implying overcoming challenges. Can refer to personal or professional contexts.

  • She worked hard and eventually succeeded in her career.
  • If you put in the effort, you will succeed in passing the exam.
prosper

Most often used in economic or financial contexts, and refers to growing or flourishing, typically implying wealth or success.

  • The new business is beginning to prosper.
  • With hard work and smart investments, they managed to prosper.
thrive

Used to describe flourishing or growing well, often despite adverse conditions. Frequently used for individuals, businesses, or living things.

  • Despite the challenges, their garden continued to thrive.
  • She really thrives in a fast-paced work environment.
achieve

Generally refers to reaching a level of excellence or fulfilling an ambition. Often used for significant or notable successes.

  • He has achieved great success as a scientist.
  • Winning the award was something she had always dreamed of achieving.
accomplish

Used to denote the completion of tasks or goals, often with a sense of pride in the achievement. Can be used in both individual and team settings.

  • They accomplished their project on time.
  • Completing the marathon was a major accomplishment.

Examples of usage

  • She was determined to succeed in her new business venture.
  • With hard work and dedication, he managed to succeed in his career.
Context #2 | Verb

in life

Accomplish an aim or purpose.

Synonyms

accomplish, achieve, attain, reach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
succeed

Use when someone fulfills a specific aim or achieves a desired result. Often used in the context of overcoming obstacles or performing well in a competitive situation.

  • After years of hard work, she finally succeeded in her career.
  • He succeeded in passing the difficult exam on his first try.
achieve

Often relates to reaching or attaining high standards, goals, or levels of success, particularly in areas requiring sustained effort over time.

  • He achieved great success as a scientist.
  • The team worked hard to achieve their objectives.
accomplish

Suitable for describing the completion of tasks, projects, or goals, with a focus on the effort and skill involved.

  • They managed to accomplish the project ahead of schedule.
  • She accomplished all her goals for the year.
attain

Formal context, often used to describe reaching a specific level, status, or goal, usually requiring considerable effort and time.

  • She attained a high level of proficiency in multiple languages.
  • After years of training, he finally attained the rank of black belt in karate.
reach

Commonly used for arriving at a destination, point, condition, or state. It implies completion or arriving at a goal.

  • The explorers reached the summit after a long trek.
  • She reached her savings goal for the new car.

Examples of usage

  • Despite facing many challenges, she never gave up and finally succeeded.
  • His determination and perseverance helped him succeed in life.
Context #3 | Noun

general

The achievement of an aim or purpose.

Synonyms

accomplishment, achievement, triumph, victory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
succeed

Used when someone reaches a positive outcome or goal. Common in professional and academic settings.

  • She will succeed in her career if she works hard.
  • After years of struggle, he finally succeeded.
achievement

Similar to 'accomplishment,' but can use in a broader context, including both significant and minor successes.

  • Winning the award was her greatest achievement.
  • Completing the project ahead of schedule was a significant achievement.
accomplishment

Refers to something completed successfully, especially after effort and skill. Often used to highlight personal or team milestones.

  • Graduating from college is a major accomplishment.
  • Building a successful startup is quite an accomplishment.
triumph

Implies a victory or success, often after overcoming difficult challenges. Carries a sense of celebration.

  • Their triumph over adversity was inspiring.
  • The team's hard-fought triumph in the championship was unforgettable.
victory

Used to denote winning or defeating an opponent. Often used in competitive contexts such as sports, games, or battles.

  • The soldiers celebrated their victory after the long war.
  • The chess match ended in a decisive victory for the young player.

Examples of usage

  • His success in the competition was a result of his hard work and dedication.
  • The company's success can be attributed to its innovative approach.

Translations

Translations of the word "succeed" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ter sucesso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคซเคฒ เคนเฅ‹เคจเคพ (Safal hona)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช erfolgreich sein

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berhasil

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพััะณั‚ะธ ัƒัะฟั–ั…ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ odnieล›ฤ‡ sukces

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆˆๅŠŸใ™ใ‚‹ (seikou suru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rรฉussir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tener รฉxito

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท baลŸarmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ฑ๊ณตํ•˜๋‹ค (seonggonghada)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠู†ุฌุญ (yunjah)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ uspฤ›t

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ uspieลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆˆๅŠŸ (chรฉnggลng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ uspeti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ nรก รกrangri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัำ™ั‚ั‚ั– ะฑะพะปัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒแƒ แƒ›แƒแƒขแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒก แƒ›แƒ˜แƒฆแƒฌแƒ”แƒ•แƒ (tsarmatebis migweva)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ uฤŸur qazanmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tener รฉxito

Etymology

The word 'succeed' originated from the Latin word 'succedere', which means 'come close after'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. The concept of success has been valued throughout history, with various cultures and societies placing importance on achieving goals and accomplishments. Success is often associated with hard work, determination, and perseverance.

See also: succeeded, succeeding, success.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,752, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.