succeed
B1Formal and neutral. Common in professional, academic, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To achieve a desired aim or result, especially after effort; to come next in order, especially to a role or position.
To prosper or flourish; to have a favorable outcome; to inherit or follow after something or someone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries two primary, distinct meanings: (1) achieving a goal through effort and (2) following in sequence or position. The first is far more common in general usage. It implies a positive outcome, often after overcoming challenges.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both use 'succeed in + -ing' structure (e.g., succeed in doing). The noun 'successor' is slightly more formal in both varieties.
Connotations
In both cultures, 'succeed' carries strong positive connotations of achievement, often tied to merit and hard work. In US corporate culture, it may be used more frequently and aspirationaly.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] succeed in [doing something][subject] succeed [person] as [position][subject] succeed to [position/throne]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nothing succeeds like success”
- “succeed oneself (US legal/political)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We need this project to succeed in order to meet our quarterly targets.
Academic
The experiment succeeded in replicating the original findings under controlled conditions.
Everyday
I finally succeeded in fixing the leaky tap after watching a tutorial.
Technical
The transplant procedure succeeded, and the patient is showing positive signs of graft acceptance.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She will succeed her father as managing director next year.
- The team succeeded against a formidable opponent.
- If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
American English
- He succeeded in building the company from the ground up.
- Who will succeed the current mayor in the next election?
- The plan succeeded beyond our wildest expectations.
adverb
British English
- The project proceeded succeedingly. (archaic/rare)
- He spoke succeedingly about his goals. (very rare/non-standard)
American English
- They worked succeedingly to meet the deadline. (non-standard; 'successfully' is standard)
adjective
British English
- The succeeding chapters deal with more complex themes. (not common as standalone adjective)
- He is the succeedingly appointed chair. (archaic/rare)
American English
- The succeeding administration faced new challenges.
- Look for the succeedingly numbered files. (rare/formal)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I hope you succeed!
- Did he succeed in his test?
- Work hard to succeed.
- She succeeded in finding a new job.
- They finally succeeded in opening the jar.
- To succeed in life, you need determination.
- Despite the initial setbacks, the research team succeeded in proving their hypothesis.
- He is set to succeed the retiring CEO in January.
- Very few start-ups succeed in such a competitive market.
- The negotiations succeeded in averting a full-blown diplomatic crisis.
- The law succeeded its legislative predecessor, which had been deemed unconstitutional.
- Few actors have succeeded in making the transition from comedy to serious drama so seamlessly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sequence: you need to 'succeed' (follow) a plan step-by-step in order to 'succeed' (achieve) your goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS A DESTINATION (reach, attain, arrive), SUCCESS IS UPWARDS MOVEMENT (climb, rise, ascend), SUCCESS IS A BATTLE (win, overcome, conquer).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'succumb' (поддаваться, уступать). 'Succeed' is достигать успеха / преуспевать, not просто 'следовать'. The 'follow/come after' meaning (наследовать, сменять) is less common.
Common Mistakes
- Using the preposition 'to' incorrectly for the 'achieve' meaning (e.g., 'I succeeded to pass the exam' - WRONG. Correct: 'I succeeded in passing the exam'). Confusing 'succeed' with 'success' (noun).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct preposition to use with 'succeed' when talking about achieving a goal?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Succeed' is a verb meaning to achieve a goal. 'Success' is a noun meaning the achievement itself or the state of having achieved something.
Yes, but this is a formal and less common usage, e.g., 'The son succeeded his father as king' or 'Summer succeeds spring.'
No, the correct pattern is 'succeed in doing something.' For example, 'She succeeded in solving the problem.'
The most common and direct opposite is the verb 'fail.'