prosperity
C1Formal to neutral. Common in political, economic, journalistic, and business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The state of being successful, especially in financial or material terms; thriving, flourishing condition.
A period of economic success and growth for a community or nation. Can also refer to general well-being, good fortune, and the flourishing of things beyond finance (e.g., cultural prosperity).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a sustained, widespread, or significant state of success, not just temporary good luck. Often carries a collective or societal dimension, not just individual wealth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The concept and usage are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/conservative in British English (e.g., 'prosperity agenda'). In American English, often linked to the 'American Dream' and national economic ideology.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties, with high usage in political and economic discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + of + prosperity (a period of prosperity)V + prosperity (ensure/secure/promote prosperity)Prosperity + V (prosperity depends on/comes from)Adj + prosperity (economic/future prosperity)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A rising tide lifts all boats (related concept)”
- “To prosper and thrive”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to company growth, market conditions, and profitability (e.g., 'The new strategy is key to our future prosperity.').
Academic
Used in economics, sociology, and history to describe periods of growth or theories of development (e.g., 'post-war prosperity').
Everyday
Used in discussions about jobs, the economy, or hopes for the future (e.g., 'We wish you health and prosperity.').
Technical
In economics, can be part of compound terms like 'prosperity index' or 'inclusive prosperity'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The region began to prosper after the discovery of natural resources.
- Small businesses must innovate to prosper in a competitive market.
American English
- The tech sector continues to prosper despite economic headwinds.
- We hope our children will prosper in their chosen careers.
adverb
British English
- The company is prosperously expanding into new markets.
- They lived prosperously but modestly.
American English
- The farm was run prosperously for three generations.
- He retired prosperously after a successful career.
adjective
British English
- It's a prosperous town with a vibrant high street.
- They come from a prosperous family in the home counties.
American English
- The prosperous suburbs are expanding rapidly.
- It was a prosperous era for American manufacturing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A good job can bring prosperity.
- They wish their family health and prosperity.
- The government promised economic prosperity for everyone.
- After years of hard work, the business finally found prosperity.
- The post-war period was an era of unprecedented prosperity and social change.
- Sustainable policies are crucial for long-term prosperity, not just short-term growth.
- The critique argued that the nation's prosperity was built on unsustainable debt and environmental degradation.
- The index measures inclusive prosperity, factoring in health, education, and inequality alongside GDP.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PROSPER (to succeed) + ITY (a state or condition) = the state of succeeding.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROSPERITY IS A PLANT (it grows, flourishes, blooms, can wither). PROSPERITY IS A JOURNEY (path/road to prosperity, reach prosperity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly using 'процветание' in overly poetic contexts; 'prosperity' is standard in economic texts. 'Благополучие' is closer to 'well-being'. 'Успех' is more general 'success'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'prosperity' (noun) with 'prosperous' (adj). Using it for short-term, individual gain (e.g., 'his prosperity from a lottery win' sounds odd). Misspelling as 'prospertiy' or 'prosperety'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'prosperity'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While primarily economic, it can extend to general well-being, success, and flourishing in broader societal or personal contexts (e.g., 'cultural prosperity').
'Wealth' is the possession of valuable resources. 'Prosperity' is the successful, flourishing state that often results from wealth, implying ongoing growth and positive conditions.
Yes, but it's less common and sounds formal (e.g., 'He enjoyed great personal prosperity'). Words like 'success' or 'wealth' are more typical for individuals.
Overwhelmingly yes. It is a goal-oriented, desirable state. It can be used critically (e.g., 'unequal prosperity') but the core concept is positive.