hallmarks of success

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "hallmarks of success" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to attributes, traits, or accomplishments which are associated with success. For example, "Some of the hallmarks of success in business are hard work, determination, and smart decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But Mr. Obama should welcome an Iraq-like end to Afghanistan: as contradictory as it may seem, messy and unsatisfying are the hallmarks of success in modern counterinsurgency wars.

The New York Times

From a time when one of the main attributes of an executive career was discretion, we are moving toward one where influence and a high profile are becoming the hallmarks of success.

Forbes

As a society we're not big on delayed gratification, which happens to be one of the hallmarks of success.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A flourishing tourist "industry" is a hallmark of success in the presumed global competition.

Independent

The hallmark of success, though, was to achieve glory while giving the impression of making no effort at all.

The Guardian

During those early days, people rushed to download the next new thing, and Apple's swiftly rising count of the number of applications available was a hallmark of success.

The New York Times

Therefore the hallmark of success is a mixture of ambition, motivation, and focus.

Forbes

Beyond financial gains, social architecture suggests a better bottom line for modern companies: A person's ability to thrive in their environment(s) can and should be the new hallmark of success.

Huffington Post

Vision, not desire, is the true hallmark of success - to know what you want and understand why you're doing it, to dedicate your life to a vision that you care deeply about, and to deliberately and strategically work towards that goal.

Huffington Post

Certainly, it has the hallmarks of mainstream success, with a swagger that's refreshing and infectious.

The Guardian - Film

The patriarch of a family of decorated martial artists, he has filled his living room with the hallmarks of his success: trophies from world championships and national awards for "service to the motherland".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "hallmarks of success", ensure you clearly define what constitutes success in the given context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid listing vague or universally positive traits as "hallmarks of success". Instead, focus on specific attributes demonstrably linked to achieving success in the particular field or situation you're discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hallmarks of success" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and describes the defining characteristics or indicators associated with achieving success, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hallmarks of success" is a noun phrase denoting the defining attributes or indicators of achievement. Grammatically correct and commonly used, according to Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. It serves to describe and identify key traits associated with success. Alternatives include "indicators of success", "characteristics of success", and "attributes of success". When employing this phrase, ensure to clearly define what success means within the specific context, and avoid overgeneralizing the listed hallmarks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicators of success

Replaces "hallmarks" with "indicators", focusing on signs that point towards success.

attributes of success

Substitutes "hallmarks" with "attributes", highlighting the inherent qualities contributing to success.

characteristics of success

Replaces "hallmarks" with "characteristics", emphasizing typical features associated with success.

key features of success

Emphasizes the most important aspects linked to success by using "key features".

defining traits of success

Focuses on the traits that distinctively define success, using "defining traits".

essential elements of success

Highlights the crucial components necessary for success, with "essential elements".

cornerstones of success

Replaces "hallmarks" with "cornerstones", suggesting fundamental and indispensable aspects of success.

determinants of success

Focuses on the factors that determine whether success is achieved, by using "determinants".

criteria for success

Changes the focus to measurable standards used to define success, with "criteria".

signs of a successful outcome

Shifts the focus to observable evidence that indicates a positive result or achievement, using "signs of a successful outcome".

FAQs

How can I use "hallmarks of success" in a sentence?

You can use "hallmarks of success" to describe the key characteristics, attributes, or achievements that are indicative of a successful outcome. For example, "Innovation and adaptability are often cited as "indicators of success" in the tech industry".

What are some alternatives to saying "hallmarks of success"?

Alternatives include "attributes of success", "characteristics of success", or "key features of success", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "hallmark of success" instead of "hallmarks of success"?

While "hallmark of success" can be grammatically correct, it is less common. "Hallmarks of success" is used to refer to multiple indicators. "Hallmark of success" is used when referring to a single, defining characteristic.

What's the difference between "hallmarks of success" and "trappings of success"?

"Hallmarks of success" refer to the genuine qualities or achievements that define success. "Trappings of success", on the other hand, refer to the external signs or symbols of success, such as wealth or status, which may not always reflect true achievement.