successful
adjective
suc·cess·ful
sək-ˈses-fəl 
1
: resulting or terminating in success
a successful attempt
2
: gaining or having gained success
a successful investor
successfulness
noun
Examples of successful in a Sentence
the play had a successful run on Broadway
sold their successful dry-cleaning business and retired to Hawaii
Recent Examples on the Web
From giving red packets to ensuring your home is properly prepared, CNN outlines the essential do’s and don’ts to help set the tone for a successful year ahead.
—
Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Both of his White House bids would lay the foundational work for former President Barack Obama’s successful and historic two terms in office.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Feb. 2026
Growing up in Stevenson’s district, Aidan Albrecht watched players step into significant roles year after year in one of Lake County’s most successful boys basketball programs.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
This lavish Italian miniseries may well have been an attempt to replicate the successful 1956 miniseries from RAI TV.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for successful
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Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Both of his White House bids would lay the foundational work for former President Barack Obama’s successful and historic two terms in office.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Feb. 2026
Growing up in Stevenson’s district, Aidan Albrecht watched players step into significant roles year after year in one of Lake County’s most successful boys basketball programs.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
This lavish Italian miniseries may well have been an attempt to replicate the successful 1956 miniseries from RAI TV.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for successful
Cite this Entry
“Successful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successful. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
successful
adjective
suc·cess·ful
sək-ˈses-fəl
1
: resulting or ending in success
2
: gaining or having gained success
successfulness
noun
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