What is the most common mistake learners make with 'succeeded'?

The most common mistake is using the wrong preposition, saying 'succeeded to do' instead of the correct 'succeeded in doing'.

Is 'succeeded' used more for big achievements or small tasks?

It is neutral and can be used for both, from 'succeeded in making a cup of tea' to 'succeeded in brokering a peace deal'. Context and modifiers (e.g., 'finally', 'barely', 'admirably') indicate the scale.

What's the difference between 'succeeded' and 'managed'?

They are often synonyms in patterns like 'succeeded in doing'/'managed to do'. However, 'managed' can imply more effort or difficulty was involved, while 'succeeded' can sound more definitive and positive. 'Managed' also has other meanings related to control/oversight.

Can 'succeeded' be used without an object?

Yes, especially when the goal is clear from context: 'We tried a new strategy, and it succeeded.' It is also intransitive in the 'inherit/follow' sense: 'When the CEO retired, her deputy succeeded.'

Is “succeeded” formal?

Succeeded is usually neutral (used across formal and informal contexts) in register.

How do you pronounce “succeeded”?

Succeeded: in British English it is pronounced /səkˈsiːdɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /səkˈsidɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

succeeded: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

High

UK/səkˈsiːdɪd/US/səkˈsidɪd/

Neutral (Used across formal and informal contexts)

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “succeeded” mean?

Achieved a desired aim, result, or outcome.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Achieved a desired aim, result, or outcome; took over a role, position, or title from a previous holder.

To follow or come after in time, order, or position; to thrive or flourish, as in a specific environment.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in core meaning. Minor variations in collocational frequency and legal/formal phrasing (e.g., 'succeeded to the throne' is equally common in both).

Connotations

Identical.

Frequency

Slightly higher relative frequency in American news/corporate discourse (e.g., 'succeeded in launching', 'succeeded as CEO'), but the difference is marginal.

Grammar

How to Use “succeeded” in a Sentence

[NP] succeeded in [VERB-ing] (He succeeded in passing the exam)[NP] succeeded [NP] as [ROLE] (She succeeded him as chair)[NP] succeeded to [POSITION/TITLE] (He succeeded to the estate)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

succeeded insucceeded assucceeded wheresucceeded admirablysucceeded beyond

medium

succeeded him/hersucceeded to the thronesucceeded in businessbarely succeededfinally succeeded

weak

succeeded overnightsucceeded politicallysucceeded academically

Examples

Examples of “succeeded” in a Sentence

verb

British English

They succeeded in obtaining planning permission for the new centre.
After the queen's death, her eldest son succeeded.

American English

The team succeeded in meeting their quarterly goals ahead of schedule.
He succeeded his father as president of the family business.

adverb

British English

(Not standard. Use 'successfully' instead.)

American English

(Not standard. Use 'successfully' instead.)

adjective

British English

(Not standard. Use 'successful' instead.)

American English

(Not standard. Use 'successful' instead.)

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to achieving targets, securing deals, or taking over a leadership role (e.g., 'She succeeded in closing the merger').

Academic

Used for achieving results in research or experiments (e.g., 'The team succeeded in replicating the findings').

Everyday

Common for personal goals, tasks, or passing tests (e.g., 'I finally succeeded in fixing the leak').

Technical

In law/property: taking legal title to an inheritance; in computing/engineering: a process completing without error.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “succeeded”

Strong

triumphedprevailedexcelled

Neutral

achievedmanagedaccomplishedattained

Weak

pulled offpulled it offmade it

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “succeeded”

failedfloppedfell shortdid not managewas unsuccessful

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “succeeded”

Using 'succeeded to do' instead of the correct 'succeeded in doing'.
Incorrect preposition: 'succeeded on' (incorrect) vs. 'succeeded in' (correct).
Confusing spelling: 'succeded' (one 'c') is a common misspelling.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: The most common mistake is using the wrong preposition, saying 'succeeded to do' instead of the correct 'succeeded in doing'.
: It is neutral and can be used for both, from 'succeeded in making a cup of tea' to 'succeeded in brokering a peace deal'. Context and modifiers (e.g., 'finally', 'barely', 'admirably') indicate the scale.
: They are often synonyms in patterns like 'succeeded in doing'/'managed to do'. However, 'managed' can imply more effort or difficulty was involved, while 'succeeded' can sound more definitive and positive. 'Managed' also has other meanings related to control/oversight.
: Yes, especially when the goal is clear from context: 'We tried a new strategy, and it succeeded.' It is also intransitive in the 'inherit/follow' sense: 'When the CEO retired, her deputy succeeded.'
: Achieved a desired aim, result, or outcome.
: Succeeded is usually neutral (used across formal and informal contexts) in register.
: Succeeded: in British English it is pronounced /səkˈsiːdɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /səkˈsidɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“succeed against all odds”
“nothing succeeds like success”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'To succeed is to SEED a result' – you plant an effort and it grows into an achievement.

Conceptual Metaphor

SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY/DESTINATION ('He succeeded in reaching his goal'); SUCCESS IS AN INHERITANCE ('She succeeded to the title').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After three attempts, she finally in uploading the large file.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences uses 'succeeded' in the sense of 'followed after'?