apparent success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparent success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a success that seems to be true or real but may not be genuine or fully substantiated. Example: "Despite the apparent success of the project, there were underlying issues that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By nightfall the search had had no apparent success.

The New York Times

Despite this apparent success, Foos was still tormented.

The New Yorker

He discovered that their apparent success is a cognitive illusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was skeptical about much of the apparent success, though.

The New Yorker

And so they have, without formal training and with apparent success.

The New York Times

In fact, in its apparent success, Mr. Murad's interrogation shows torture's limitations.

The New York Times

The apparent success of the Afghan campaign should not encourage Mr. Bush to overreach.

The New York Times

"It was mesmerized by the price of the stock and the apparent success of the company".

The New York Times

Despite this apparent success, Meysman and his directors decided Green's time was up.

The Guardian - Business

The apparent success of the new long-distance precision warfare, however, obscured its limitations.

The New Yorker

Why was the apparent success of the Tunisian revolution followed by so many disasters?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparent success" when you want to convey that something appears to be successful but may have hidden flaws or not be as positive as it seems on the surface. It adds a layer of critical evaluation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "apparent success" without acknowledging potential problems or caveats. Failing to address the underlying issues can make your assessment seem naive or incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparent success" functions as a noun phrase where "apparent" modifies the noun "success". It describes a situation where success is evident but potentially misleading or superficial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apparent success" is a frequently used phrase that indicates a success that might not be entirely genuine or may have hidden issues. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, and it serves to express caution or skepticism about seemingly positive outcomes. When using this phrase, be sure to acknowledge potential underlying issues and consider alternatives like "seeming triumph" or "superficial success" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Superficial success

Highlights the lack of depth or substance in the accomplishment.

Outward success

Focuses on how the success appears to others, potentially masking underlying problems.

Seeming triumph

Emphasizes the outward appearance of victory, but suggests a lack of genuine or lasting achievement.

Illusory victory

Suggests that the victory is not real and may be misleading.

Surface-level win

Indicates the victory is only on the surface with deeper underlying issues.

Ostensible achievement

Focuses on the stated or presented accomplishment, implying a possible discrepancy between appearance and reality.

False attainment

Implies the attainment is not genuine or well-deserved.

Specious achievement

Highlights that the achievement might seem correct, but it's actually wrong or based on bad reasoning.

Deceptive prosperity

Highlights the misleading nature of the apparent wealth or advancement.

Nominal success

Suggests the success is recognized in name only, lacking significant impact.

FAQs

How can I use "apparent success" in a sentence?

You can use "apparent success" to describe a situation that seems successful on the surface but may have hidden problems or not be as positive as it initially appears. For example, "Despite the "apparent success" of the new policy, many employees are still dissatisfied".

What are some alternatives to "apparent success"?

Alternatives include "seeming triumph", "ostensible achievement", or "superficial success". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "apparent success" in formal writing?

Yes, "apparent success" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a nuanced phrase that conveys a specific meaning without being overly informal. However, ensure that the context supports the use of such a critical perspective.

What's the difference between "apparent success" and "genuine success"?

"Apparent success" implies that the success might not be real or complete, suggesting hidden problems or a lack of sustainability. "Genuine success", on the other hand, indicates a real and lasting achievement without underlying issues.