Describing Success: English Vocabulary List

showing initiative, resourcefulness, and a willingness to undertake new and challenging projects or ventures

"She is enterprising."

"The enterprising student started a lawn mowing business in his neighborhood and he saved enough money to buy a car before he graduated from high school."

characterized by a strong focus on achieving specific objectives

"She is goal-oriented."

"The goal-oriented athlete set specific targets for each training session and she tracked her progress carefully to ensure that she was improving every week."

having substantial financial resources

"The crowd is well-heeled."

"The charity gala was attended by well-heeled donors who contributed millions of dollars to support medical research and education programs."

extremely successful, particularly in job or education

"She is a high-flying executive."

"The high-flying executive was promoted to vice president after only three years with the company because of his exceptional sales record."

unexpectedly fortunate or successful

"It was a serendipitous discovery."

"The discovery of penicillin was serendipitous because Alexander Fleming noticed that mold had accidentally killed the bacteria in his petri dish."

to go beyond a particular limit, quality, or standard, often in an exceptional way

"Music can transcend language barriers."

"Great art has the power to transcend cultural boundaries and speak to people from all around the entire world."

to do better than someone or something

"This car outperforms all its competitors."

"The small startup managed to outperform all of its larger competitors in terms of customer satisfaction and product quality."

to defeat or surpass someone in a clever or cunning manner

"The mouse outwitted the cat again."

"The old man managed to outwit the younger thief by using a clever trick that no one expected at all."

to surpass or overcome an opponent or obstacle through strategic and skillful maneuvers

"The general outmaneuvered the enemy forces."

"The skilled chess player managed to outmaneuver his opponent in just twelve moves and won the match easily."

to surpass others in a particular quality or achievement

"She outshines all her classmates academically."

"Her brilliant performance in the competition helped her outshine all the other talented participants that evening."

to have a rapid development or growth

"Her talent burgeoned at a young age."

"The small startup began to burgeon into a huge multinational corporation within just a few years of its founding."

to end by coming to a climactic point

"The festival culminates in a huge fireworks display."

"The festival will culminate in a huge fireworks display on the final night of the celebration weekend."

to surpass or exceed others in a particular activity, skill, or performance

"The champion outclassed all his opponents."

"The experienced professional boxer completely outclassed his young inexperienced opponent and won the fight in the very first round."