colossal success

USAGE SUMMARY

'colossal success' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a great success or achievement, often beyond one's expectations. Example sentence: The film adaptation of the book was a colossal success, grossing over $100 million dollars worldwide.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Three Mile Island - Colossal Failure or Colossal Success?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was "a colossal success," she told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Image-wise, Diana Ross, lead singer of the Supremes, turned Motown's success into colossal success.

The Guardian

This work, which broke with the classical portraiture of the time, was a colossal success.

The New Yorker

Kinney's colossal success has given rise to many others in the same mould.

The Guardian - Books

Despite colossal success in other sports, the company has carefully tended its roots.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

That show, and all subsequent Monet exhibitions at the Academy, have been colossal successes, frogs and all.

Independent

The last 12 months have brought colossal successes: a deal with Island Def Jam, a modelling contract and a tour with Beyoncé.

The Guardian - Music

Another shocker for George Ezra, who – by his colossal commercial success, at least – looked set to sweep the night.

The Guardian - Music

This is a broad, silly, likably daft Britcom, made possible by the colossal commercial success of the Inbetweeners films - movies based on British TV shows can do well at the box office.

The Guardian - Film

A good deal has now been written about Bridesmaids being at the vanguard of a new feminist revolution in Hollywood comedy – a sorpack to go with the fratpack – and how, before this, women were marginalised or treated as second-class turns in Hollywood, a theory that holds up if you discount the colossal commercial success of the Sex and the City movies.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "colossal success" to emphasize not just success, but the sheer scale and impact of the achievement. For example, instead of saying 'the project was a success', use 'the project was a "colossal success"' to communicate a greater magnitude.

Common error

Avoid using "colossal success" in contexts where a simpler term like 'success' would suffice. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey exceptional impact, so reserve it for truly remarkable achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal success" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. It is used to describe something that has achieved an extremely high degree of accomplishment or favorable outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "colossal success" is a powerful expression used to emphasize the exceptional magnitude and impact of an achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and appears commonly in various contexts, especially within News & Media. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for achievements that are truly remarkable, avoiding its overuse as generic praise. Alternatives like "immense triumph" or "resounding achievement" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Overall, "colossal success" serves as a valuable tool for writers seeking to convey the extraordinary nature of a particular accomplishment. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and very usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immense triumph

Emphasizes the feeling of victory more strongly.

Resounding achievement

Highlights the clarity and impressiveness of the accomplishment.

Overwhelming victory

Focuses on the scale and completeness of the win.

Monumental accomplishment

Stresses the lasting and significant nature of the achievement.

Spectacular feat

Highlights the skill and daring involved.

Extraordinary breakthrough

Implies overcoming significant obstacles.

Landmark success

Indicates a turning point or significant milestone.

Remarkable accomplishment

Emphasizes the noteworthy and exceptional nature of the achievement.

Astounding achievement

Focuses on the surprise and wonder associated with the success.

Triumphant feat

Highlights the celebratory aspect of a difficult achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "colossal success" to describe an achievement that is not only successful but also remarkably large or impactful. For example, "The new product launch was a "colossal success", exceeding all sales expectations."

What are some alternatives to "colossal success"?

Some alternatives include "immense triumph", "resounding achievement", or "overwhelming victory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "colossal success" can be appropriate in formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the exceptional nature of an achievement. However, ensure that the tone and context align with the overall formality of the piece.

What distinguishes "colossal success" from "huge success"?

"Colossal success" implies a degree of scale and impact even greater than "huge success". While both terms denote significant achievement, "colossal success" suggests something truly monumental or unprecedented.