Success vs. Succeed — What's the Difference?

Success is a noun that refers to the favorable outcome of an endeavor, the attainment of goals, or the achievement of wealth, fame, or status. It is often used to describe the state or condition of having achieved one's objectives or the level of prosperity an individual or entity has attained. On the other hand, succeed is a verb that describes the action of achieving a desired aim or result. It implies the process or action of reaching a goal, as opposed to success, which is the end state or outcome of such actions.

While success can be used to quantify or describe the level of achievement in various contexts such as personal, professional, or academic, succeed is used to indicate the act of overcoming obstacles or meeting criteria necessary to achieve that state. For example, one might say, "Her success in the industry is unparalleled," highlighting the state of achievement, whereas "She succeeded in securing a top position in the company" focuses on the action that led to her successful state.

Success is often measured by external criteria or societal standards, such as financial wealth, professional achievements, or social status. In contrast, succeed can be more subjective and personal, depending on individual goals and values. What constitutes success for one person might vary significantly for another, but to succeed universally means to accomplish what one has set out to do.

The distinction also lies in usage; success can be a collective or individual state and is often shared or celebrated with others, while succeed typically refers to the actions of individuals or specific entities in reaching their goals. Success can be observed and recognized by others, whereas succeed reflects a more personal journey towards achieving that recognition.