crowning success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crowning success" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the highest or most significant achievement in a series of accomplishments. Example: "Winning the national championship was the crowning success of her athletic career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Yerkes once told his shareholders that the Underground would be "the crowning success" of his life.

The Economist

His crowning success was Benji, who starred in four feature films and assorted television shows.

The New York Times

For 38.9 seconds, Felipe Massa, his family and his Ferrari team celebrated his crowning success as the 2008 world champion.

The New York Times - Sports

So embracing the "values agenda" could prove useful.In this section Prospects for a thaw Nightmare averted Crowning success Heated arguments Going with the wind Forswearing greed Ka-pow!

The Economist

Samsung has promised to simplify things.In this section Prospects for a thaw Nightmare averted Crowning success Heated arguments Going with the wind Forswearing greed Ka-pow!

The Economist

If no longer vital to a woman's status as a human being, marriage is still understood as her crowning success, the event without which her life won't be truly complete.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Mahmood al-Zarooni scandal entered an explosive new phase when Encke, who deprived Camelot of a historic Triple Crown success at Doncaster last September, was named among seven additional horses to have tested positive for anabolic steroids.

Independent

That's because there was no Breeders' Cup Classic until 1984, which was six years after the Triple Crown success of Affirmed.

Los Angeles Times

Their efforts were crowned with success.

The Guardian

Their efforts were crowned with success: Naoroji became the first Indian to sit in the House of Commons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Parthian counterthrust in 52 50 bc under the command of Prince Pacorus (Pakores) was not crowned with success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crowning success" to emphasize that a particular achievement is the most significant or outstanding among a series of accomplishments. It adds a sense of culmination and importance to the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "crowning success" in very informal or casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or grandiose. Opt for simpler phrases like "biggest win" or "best result" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crowning success" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, denoting the most significant achievement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crowning success" is a powerful way to describe the most significant accomplishment in a series of achievements. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, encyclopedias and science sources, its formality level ranges from neutral to formal. Alternatives include "ultimate triumph" and "greatest achievement". When writing, remember that while "crowning success" adds emphasis, it should be used judiciously in very informal contexts to avoid sounding overly grandiose. In essence, it's a term best reserved for occasions that truly represent the peak of accomplishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ultimate triumph

Focuses on the sense of victory and accomplishment being final and supreme.

greatest achievement

Highlights the magnitude and significance of the accomplishment.

highest accomplishment

Emphasizes that the accomplishment is at the top of a hierarchy of achievements.

peak achievement

Implies reaching the highest point in terms of success.

topmost accomplishment

Highlights an accomplishment that is superior to others.

landmark achievement

Suggests the achievement sets a new standard or serves as a milestone.

signal achievement

Indicates an accomplishment that's particularly distinctive and important.

defining achievement

Implies the achievement is fundamental and characterizes one's career or life.

career highlight

Specifically refers to the most significant moment in a professional trajectory.

finest hour

Conveys the idea of a moment of great triumph or accomplishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "crowning success" to describe the highest point of achievement in a person's career, a project, or any endeavor. For example, "Winning the championship was the "crowning success" of his athletic career."

What are some alternatives to "crowning success"?

Alternatives to "crowning success" include "ultimate triumph", "greatest achievement", or "career highlight", depending on the specific context.

Is "crowning success" formal or informal?

"Crowning success" is generally considered a formal phrase. While appropriate for news articles, academic papers, and business reports, it might sound a bit elevated in very casual conversation.

What is the difference between "crowning success" and "defining achievement"?

"Crowning success" refers to the most significant achievement in a series of accomplishments. "Defining achievement", on the other hand, refers to an accomplishment that significantly shapes or characterizes a person's career or life.