modicum of success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate amount of success achieved in a particular endeavor. Example: "Despite the challenges, the team managed to achieve a modicum of success in their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

So far, there has been a modicum of success.

The New York Times

And he did have a modicum of success as Sunderland manager, if not with Ipswich Town.

Independent

"I've never experienced anything but a modicum of success or total failure," he grins.

Independent

Despite their contrasting leadership models, both ensembles are enjoying more than a modicum of success.

The New York Times

This year's joke is that Kearns is trapped by his (modicum of) success.

The Guardian

But managing an actual real team to a modicum of success?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Programs about, rather than of, music have obtained a modicum of television success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Considering the few bands who've come out of this primordial garage rock soup to achieve a modicum of aboveground success have done so by aping his sound in whole or in part he had quite a lot to say.

Vice

Moreover, as the Supreme Court has long recognized, a modicum of political success does not in any way establish that a historically oppressed and subordinated group can adequately protect itself in the political process.

Huffington Post

Now, enjoying a modicum of media success, she is being outed for not being porn enough -- for not having the experience necessary to address or even understand the real issues of being a porn star, like the issue of porn piracy, which extends beyond female empowerment.

Huffington Post

A former member of a hardcore punk band called Heatmiser, he was deeply suspicious of commercial success, a modicum of which came after his Oscar nomination.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of success" when you want to downplay the level of achievement, suggesting it was limited or moderate. This is particularly useful when discussing efforts that didn't fully meet expectations but still had some positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of success" when the context involves considerable accomplishments or breakthroughs. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the positive outcome is relatively small or incomplete; otherwise, it can undermine the perceived impact of the achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of success" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing the extent of achievement in various situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modicum of success" is a useful expression for describing limited or moderate achievements. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you want to downplay the level of achievement, suggesting it was not substantial. Consider alternatives like "small degree of success" or "limited success" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. Be careful not to use it when you are referring to something of great importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small degree of success

Replaces "modicum" with "small degree", emphasizing the limited extent of success.

limited success

Directly indicates that the success achieved is not substantial or complete.

slight success

Highlights the minimal nature of the accomplishment.

some success

A more general term, indicating the presence of success without specifying its magnitude.

a bit of success

Informal phrase denoting a small quantity of positive outcome.

a touch of success

Emphasizes the delicate or subtle nature of the achievement.

minimal achievement

Focuses on the achievement being at the lowest possible level.

marginal success

Suggests the success is just barely enough to be considered significant.

token success

Implies the success is more symbolic than substantial.

a hint of success

Indicates a very faint or small sign of a positive outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "modicum of success" to describe a situation where some, but not a lot, of success has been achieved. For example: "Despite the challenges, the project achieved a "modicum of success"."

What are some alternatives to "modicum of success"?

Alternatives include "small degree of success", "limited success", or "slight success". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "modicum of success" formal or informal?

"Modicum of success" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for both professional and news contexts. It avoids overly casual language while still acknowledging the limited nature of the achievement.

What's the difference between "modicum of success" and "great success"?

"Modicum of success" implies a small or limited amount of success, while "great success" indicates a significant and substantial achievement. Using "modicum" suggests the positive outcome was not extensive or complete.