success

success — noun

1. the fact that a plan, effort, or attempt ends with the result that was intended

1.名詞B1
釋義

the fact that a plan, effort, or attempt ends with the result that was intended or desired

例句

After months of practice, Bilal finally found success in his first piano competition.

find success in [activity]

The team measured their success by how many families they helped find housing.

measure success by [criterion]

同義詞
  • achievement

    more personal and effort-focused; 'success' often implies external recognition of a desired result

  • accomplishment

    suggests skill or mastery; slightly more formal than 'success'

  • triumph

    a very great success, especially one achieved after difficulty

反義詞
  • failure

    the opposite result — not achieving what was intended

文法句型

success in [noun/gerund]

success with [noun]

用法筆記

Uncountable in this sense. Do not use 'a' or 'an' before it: 'Success depends on hard work' (not 'a success depends').

常見錯誤

❌He had a big success in passing the exam.
✅He had great success in passing the exam.
💡When referring to the abstract concept, 'success' is uncountable and takes no article.
❌She succeeded to get the job.
✅She succeeded in getting the job.
💡The related verb 'succeed' takes 'in + gerund', not a to-infinitive.

2. a person, event, or piece of work that produces good results or is admired

2.名詞B1
釋義

a person, event, or piece of work that produces good results or is admired

例句

The school play was such a success that they added two extra shows.

be a success

Ryo's small café turned into a success within just two months of opening.

turn into a success

同義詞
  • hit

    informal; used for movies, songs, products that are very popular

  • achievement

    focuses on the effort behind the result rather than the result itself

反義詞
  • failure

    something that does not achieve its intended purpose

  • flop

    informal; a complete failure, especially of entertainment or products

文法句型

be a [modifier] success

turn into a success

用法筆記

Countable — takes 'a' or 'an'. Often needs a modifier (commercial, big, great) or context to specify what kind of success. Without a modifier, 'it was a success' can sound vague.

常見錯誤

❌The party was success.
✅The party was a success.
💡In the countable sense, an article is required.

3. a high position in society that includes money, fame, or status, often achieved

3.名詞B1
釋義

a high position in society that includes money, fame, or status, often achieved through hard work

例句

In many classic novels, the hero rises from poverty to success and wealth.

rise from poverty to success

Gabriela's parents pushed her toward success in the business world.

同義詞
  • prosperity

    focuses on wealth and financial well-being; narrower and more formal

  • prominence

    focuses on fame and being well-known; does not imply wealth

  • achievement

    broader; can include personal success not tied to money or fame

反義詞
  • poverty

    opposite in terms of wealth

  • obscurity

    opposite in terms of fame and social recognition

文法句型

path to success

climb to success

用法筆記

Uncountable, like sense 1, but restricted to social/financial contexts. Not used for personal achievements like learning a skill. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 is about any desired result (passing a test, finishing a project), while sense 3 specifically means wealth, fame, or social standing.

常見錯誤

❌Her painting was a success in the art world' (when meaning she became famous).
✅She found success in the art world.
💡Social/financial success is uncountable and refers to a state, not a single work.