Successfully vs. Successful — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
"Successfully" is an adverb describing the manner of achieving something effectively, while "successful" is an adjective indicating achieved desired results or recognition.
Difference Between Successfully and Successful
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Successfully" is used to modify verbs and describe how an action is completed with success, implying effectiveness in the process. In contrast, "successful" modifies nouns and focuses on the outcome being favorable or having achieved intended goals.
When someone does something "successfully," it emphasizes the process and manner in which success was achieved. Whereas "successful" is used to describe the state or condition of entities like projects, people, or businesses that have met their objectives.
In the phrase "He completed the project successfully," the adverb "successfully" illustrates that the completion of the project met the benchmarks of success. On the other hand, describing someone as "a successful entrepreneur" highlights that the person has consistently achieved their business goals.
The use of "successfully" often comes after the verb it modifies, for instance, "She negotiated successfully." Whereas "successful" precedes the noun it describes, such as in "successful negotiation."
Understanding when to use "successfully" versus "successful" hinges on whether the need is to describe how something was done (successfully) or to describe the characteristic of someone or something (successful).
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Function
Modifies verbs
Modifies nouns
Example Usage
"She passed the test successfully."
"He is a successful teacher."
Focus
Process and manner of achieving success
Outcome and state of achieving success
Placement in Sentence
Typically follows the verb it modifies
Typically precedes the noun it describes
Compare with Definitions
Successfully
Achieving success in endeavors.
She negotiated successfully with the clients.
Successful
Achieving desired aims or attaining prosperity.
He has been successful in his career.
Successfully
With successful outcomes.
The team played successfully against strong opponents.
Successful
Having achieved success, especially by one's own efforts.
She is a successful businesswoman.
Successfully
Resulting in successful completion.
They implemented the plan successfully.
Successful
Marked by favorable outcomes.
The surgery was successful.
Successfully
Executed with success.
They completed the project successfully.
Successful
Resulting in success.
It was a successful campaign.
Successfully
In a manner achieving intended goals.
He managed the event successfully.
Successful
Having attained wealth, position, honors, or the like.
They are a successful musical band.
Successfully
Having a favorable outcome
A successful heart transplant.
Successful
Having a favorable outcome
A successful heart transplant.
Successfully
Having obtained something desired or intended
Was successful in stopping the leak of oil.
Successful
Having obtained something desired or intended
Was successful in stopping the leak of oil.
Successfully
Having achieved wealth or eminence
A successful architect.
Successful
Having achieved wealth or eminence
A successful architect.
Successfully
In a successful manner; with success; without failing.
He successfully climbed the mountain.
They successfully completed their project together.
Successful
Resulting in success; assuring, or promoting, success; accomplishing what was proposed; having the desired effect
A successful use of medicine;
A successful experiment;
A successful enterprise
Successfully
In a successful manner;
She performed the surgery successfully
Successful
Resulting in success; assuring, or promotive of, success; accomplishing what was proposed; having the desired effect; hence, prosperous; fortunate; happy; as, a successful use of medicine; a successful experiment; a successful enterprise.
Welcome, nephews, from successful wars.
Successful
Having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome;
A successful architect
A successful business venture
Common Curiosities
How do you use "successful" in a sentence?
It describes someone or something that has achieved success.
Can "successful" be used to modify verbs?
No, it modifies nouns.
Can "successfully" indicate the quality of a person?
No, it pertains to the manner of actions, not qualities of a person.
Can "successfully" be used to describe a noun?
No, it modifies verbs.
What is the main difference in the usage of "successfully" vs "successful"?
"Successfully" describes how an action is done; "successful" describes the state of something.
Is "successful" used for temporary states or permanent traits?
It can be used for both but typically describes more permanent traits or achievements.
Is "successfully" positive or neutral?
It carries a positive connotation, implying achievement of success.
How do you use "successfully" in a sentence?
It is used to describe the manner in which an action is completed.
What is a synonym for "successfully"?
Effectively, proficiently.
Can "successful" describe a process?
Typically, it describes the outcome or the entity involved in a process, not the process itself.
What is a synonym for "successful"?
Prosperous, triumphant.
Does "successful" always imply financial success?
No, it can refer to any type of success, including personal or professional achievements.
Can "successfully" be used without a verb?
No, it needs a verb to modify.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Frontbencher vs. Backbencher
Next Comparison
Centrosome vs. CentrioleAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
