1530s, "result, outcome," from Latin successus "an advance, a coming up; a good result, happy outcome," noun use of past participle of succedere "come after" (see succeed). Meaning "accomplishment of desired end" (good success) first recorded 1580s. Meaning "a thing or person which succeeds," especially in public, is from 1882.
The moral flabbiness born of the bitch-goddess SUCCESS. That -- with the squalid interpretation put on the word success -- is our national disease. [William James to H.G. Wells, Sept. 11, 1906]
Success story is attested from 1902. Among the French phrases reported by OED as in use in English late 19c. were succès d'estime "cordial reception given to a literary work out of respect rather than admiration" and succès de scandale "success (especially of a work of art) dependent upon its scandalous character."
双语例句
1. Success is not guaranteed. It is not handed to you. Success is earned.
成功无法保证，并非唾手可得。成功必须靠自己去争取。
来自美剧《摩登家庭》
2. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.--Winston Churchill
成功不是终点，失败也并非末日，最重要的是继续前进的勇气。
来自金山词霸 每日一句
3. Talent, hard work and sheer tenacity are all crucial to career success.
事业要成功，才能、勤奋和顽强的意志都至关重要。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Today's Security Council resolution will be a significant success for American diplomacy.
今天的安理会决议对于美国外交而言是一次重大的成功。
来自柯林斯例句
5. The company was coasting on the enormous success of its early products.
