What is success? Pronunciation and usage in English

success means . Learn how to pronounce and use success through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of success

successnoun

/səkˈsɛs/
Definition & pronunciation of success

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "success" in English. Here's a breakdown, with a focus on the most common pronunciation:

Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈsək-səs

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈsək: This sounds like "suhk" - like "luck" but with a softer 'l' sound. The 'ˈ' symbol (called a stress mark) indicates that this syllable is emphasized.
  2. səs: This sounds like "suss" - like the word "fuss" but shorter and more clipped.

British English Pronunciation:

  • ˈsək-səs (very similar to American) – but often with a slightly more drawn-out "suss" sound. Some speakers might subtly change the vowel in "suss" to be slightly more like "suhs."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The first syllable ("sək") is definitely stressed – it's louder and longer than the second syllable.
  • "Suss" sound: Don’t say “succ-sess.” Really focus on that quick, almost clipped "suss" sound.
  • Don’t over-elongate: "Success" isn't a word that needs a drawn-out pronunciation.

Resources to help you hear it:

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  • Which English dialect are you most interested in (American, British, Australian, etc.)?

Usage and examples with the word success in English

Let's break down how to use the word "success" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding those nuances is key.

1. Core Meaning: Achieving a Desired Outcome

  • Definition: At its simplest, “success” means achieving a goal or desired result. It’s about doing something well and getting the outcome you wanted.

  • Examples:

    • "She achieved success in her career as a doctor." (She did well and advanced.)
    • "The company had a huge success with their new product." (The product was popular and profitable.)
    • "I want to have success in my studies." (I want to do well in school.)

2. Different Ways to Express Success – Variations & Nuances

  • Success Story: This refers to a narrative about someone achieving success, often highlighting challenges overcome.

    • "His success story is an inspiration to many."

  • A Sign of Success: This refers to something that indicates success.

    • "A booming economy is a sign of success for the nation."

  • Success Rate: This describes the percentage of times something achieves a desired result.

    • "The success rate for the surgery is 95%."

  • To Succeed (Verb): To achieve success.

    • "He decided to succeed in his ambition to travel the world."

  • Successful (Adjective): Describes something that has achieved success.

    • "She's a successful entrepreneur."
    • "This is a successful project."

3. Expanding on what Success Means (Beyond Just Outcome)

The word "success" is often more complex than just a tangible result. Here are some deeper ways people use it:

  • Personal Success: This often relates to happiness, fulfillment, and personal growth. It's not just about money or achievements.

    • "For him, success wasn't about wealth; it was about being a good father and husband.”

  • Success in Life: A broader concept encompassing a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

    • "She defines success as living a life with purpose and surrounded by loved ones.”

  • Small Successes: Recognizing and celebrating baby steps.

    • "Don't overlook the successes you've had today – they all contribute to your overall goals."

4. Common Phrases Using "Success"

  • Celebrate success: To mark or recognize an achievement.
  • Building on success: Continuing to grow after a positive outcome.
  • Lack of success: Not achieving a desired result.
  • A matter of success and failure: Highlighting the unpredictable nature of outcomes.

Tips for Using "Success" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand what kind of success is being discussed.
  • Don’t overuse it: While a common word, overusing “success” can make your writing sound cliché. Vary your vocabulary.
  • Consider synonyms: "Achievement," "accomplishment," "triumph," "victory," "prosperity" – these words can sometimes be more precise than “success.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., essay, email, story, general conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use "success"? I can then offer feedback and suggestions.

Synonyms for the word success

Idioms of the word success

nothing succeeds like success
(saying)when you are successful in one area of your life, it often leads to success in other areas
    a resounding success
    a very great success
    • The evening was a resounding success.
    • The latest Disneyland has been a roaring success.
    the sweet smell of success
    (informal)the pleasant feeling of being successful

      Practice with vocabulary success

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Achieving professional goals often requires dedication and hard work, which are key ingredients for ultimate _____.
      2. Despite facing numerous obstacles, her unwavering _____ enabled her to overcome every challenge and complete the assignment.
      3. The company's recent product launch was an unexpected _____, exceeding all sales forecasts within the first week.
      4. The team's collaborative spirit played a crucial role in the project's smooth _____, allowing it to finish ahead of schedule.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. After months of rigorous planning, the fundraising event was a resounding _____, surpassing its financial target by 50%. A) failure B) triumph C) success D) debacle

      2. What factors are crucial for the long-term _____ of a business venture in a dynamic market? A) decline B) prosperity C) stagnation D) success

      3. The CEO's inspiring leadership led to significant departmental _____ in productivity and morale across all divisions. A) deterioration B) improvements C) regressions D) enhancements

      4. Which of these terms implies achieving a desired aim or favorable outcome? A) accomplishment B) setback C) success D) challenge

      5. Despite the initial difficulties, her sheer _____ allowed her to complete the complex task ahead of schedule. A) negligence B) persistence C) indifference D) apathy

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The project was very effective and achieved all its objectives. (Rewrite using "success")

      2. The company managed to reach its sales targets for the quarter, largely due to a new marketing campaign. (Rewrite without "success")

      3. She tried hard and finally achieved her dream of becoming a renowned research scientist. (Rewrite using "success" or a related word form)

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. success
      2. perseverance
      3. success
      4. completion

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. B) triumph, C) success
      2. B) prosperity, D) success
      3. B) improvements, D) enhancements
      4. A) accomplishment, C) success
      5. B) persistence

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The project was a great success, achieving all its objectives.
      2. The company attained its sales targets for the quarter, largely due to a new marketing campaign.
      3. She successfully achieved her dream of becoming a renowned research scientist through persistent effort.

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