successful
successful — adjective
1. Something that is successful produces the result that was wanted or planned for
Something that is successful produces the result that was wanted or planned for it.
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)
Quan tried three different methods to fix the leak, and the last one was successful.
Even though the meeting was tense, the team's effort to reach an agreement was successful.
The research team was successful in developing a faster test for the disease.
- 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
- 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
2. A successful person, business, or product has earned great wealth or become wide
A successful person, business, or product has earned great wealth or become widely known and admired.
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
The film was a successful mix of comedy and drama that audiences loved.
Cyrus left his office job to start a small business, which later became very successful.
Stefan earned a reputation as a successful lawyer who never lost a major case.
- 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
- 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.