B1adverb2K

Successfully

UK /["/səkˈsesfəli/"]/US /["/səkˈsesfəli/"]/

Definition

in a way that achieves your aims or what was intended

In simple words: In a way that achieves a desired aim or result.

Examples

  • She had already **successfully completed **these courses.
  • They **successfully defended** their championship title.
  • Companies have to be able to compete successfully in international markets.
  • This arrangement has operated successfully for the past six years.

Usage notes

Use 'successfully' to indicate that an action was done well. It's appropriate in both written and spoken contexts but may feel a bit formal for casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

successfully + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'succeed' and add 'fully' — you fully achieved something.

Collocations

  • successfully complete
  • successfully achieve
  • successfully implement

Synonyms

  • effectively
  • efficiently
  • triumphantly
  • favorably
  • positively

Antonyms

  • unsuccessfully
  • inadequately

Common mistakes

  • 'Successfully' is sometimes mistakenly replaced with 'successfully done'.
  • Learners might confuse 'successfully' with 'success'.
  • Some may think 'successfully' can only be used with positive outcomes.