How to pronounce success
Say it like suk-SES. Success has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce success. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suk
- SES
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Success pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- sukKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of success
American and British speakers say success in essentially the same way: /səkˈsɛs/ in the US and /səkˈsɛs/ in the UK.
British respelling: suk-SES.
What does success mean?
- an event that accomplishes its intended purpose“let's call heads a success and tails a failure”“the election was a remarkable success for the Whigs”
- an attainment that is successful“his success in the marathon was unexpected”“his new play was a great success”
- a state of prosperity or fame“he is enjoying great success”“he does not consider wealth synonymous with success”
Where does success come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin successus, from succēdō (“succeed”), from sub- (“next to”) + cēdō (“go, move”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with success
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of success.
Questions about saying success
How do you pronounce success?
Say suk-SES. The American pronunciation is /səkˈsɛs/. In British English it is /səkˈsɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in success?
Success has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SES). Broken into parts: suk · SES.
Do Americans and Brits say success the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səkˈsɛs/ and the British form is /səkˈsɛs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.