critical success

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical success" is a valid phrase to use in written English.
You would typically use it to describe the success or failure of something that is particularly important or relevant. For example, you might say, "The company's merger was a critical success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Critical success came early.

The New York Times

But he was not without critical success.

The Economist

It was a huge critical success.

The Guardian

Critical success, to be convincing, must adumbrate an actual success.

The Guardian - Books

It was neither a commercial or a critical success.

The Guardian - Books

The show was a critical success but a ratings flop.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Although a critical success, the magazine struggled financially.

The New York Times

He found critical success while he was still a student.

The New York Times

Delaney's slightly artless script quickly became a critical success.

The Guardian

A: We Are Devo! (1978), to critical success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But despite this, and despite being a critical success, Gomorrah was an under-the-wire hit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "critical success" to emphasize that the achievement was not only successful but also important and decisive in a given context.

Common error

Don't assume that "critical success" automatically translates to financial or popular success. A project can be critically acclaimed but not commercially viable. Always distinguish between the two when discussing outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical success" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of achievement. It combines the adjective "critical", indicating importance or judgment, with the noun "success", referring to a favorable outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

22%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critical success" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an achievement that has garnered positive reviews and recognition, particularly from experts and critics. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted. While often associated with the news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific contexts. It's important to differentiate "critical success" from "commercial success", as one does not guarantee the other. Consider alternatives like "notable achievement" or "widely acclaimed" to add nuance to your writing. When you use "critical success", you should be confident in conveying that the achievement was not only successful but also decisive in a given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly regarded success

Indicates a success that is viewed with respect and admiration.

triumphant accomplishment

Combines the ideas of triumph and accomplishment.

notable achievement

Highlights the significance of the success.

widely acclaimed

Focuses on the positive reviews and public opinion.

major accomplishment

Replaces "critical success" with a more general term for a significant achievement.

resounding victory

Focuses on the decisive and impactful nature of the success.

significant breakthrough

Highlights the innovative aspect of the success.

celebrated achievement

Highlights the widespread recognition of the success.

landmark triumph

Emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the success.

remarkable feat

Emphasizes the skill and effort required for the success.

FAQs

How is "critical success" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "critical success" is typically used to describe a project, performance, or product that receives positive reviews and recognition for its quality or impact. For example, "The film was a "critical success", but it failed to attract a large audience".

What are some alternatives to using "critical success"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "notable achievement", "widely acclaimed", or "highly regarded success".

Is "critical success" the same as "commercial success"?

No, "critical success" refers to the positive reception and recognition from critics and experts, while "commercial success" refers to financial profitability and popularity among the general public. A project can achieve one without the other.

What factors contribute to a project achieving "critical success"?

Factors may include innovative ideas, high-quality execution, strong performances, and meaningful themes that resonate with critics and audiences. Originality and artistic merit often play a significant role.