small success

USAGE SUMMARY

"small success" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an accomplishment that isn't overly impressive or monumental. For example, "After months of hard work, I achieved a small success in completing my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His economic reforms enjoyed no small success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our small success led to great adventures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's only a matter of big success or small success".

The New Yorker

"Now, granted, this isn't a small success we're talking about".

The New Yorker

He might have had some small success in trade.

The New Yorker

His indulgent father gave him a large allowance and boasted of every small success he had.

The New Yorker

In Russia, we purchased vouchers in their 'garage sale' of privatization auctions with some small success.

The New York Times

The Greek government in Athens tried to distance itself from the event but with small success.

The New York Times

Alas, Congress's small success in UP is too little evidence for this claim.

The Economist

It has taken years of effort and several near-death experiences to produce this small success.

The Economist

Mastering tricks is a constant tussle with the counterintuitive, and each small success the result of endlessly repeated failure.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small success" to acknowledge progress without overstating the impact. It's particularly useful when setting expectations or describing incremental improvements.

Common error

Avoid using "small success" when the achievement is genuinely significant. Choose stronger terms like "major breakthrough" or "remarkable achievement" to reflect the true scale of the accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small success" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" acts as a qualifying adjective modifying the noun "success". It describes a limited or modest achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small success" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an achievement that is limited in scope or impact. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It functions as a noun phrase, with "small" qualifying the noun "success". Its primary purpose is to acknowledge a positive outcome without overstating its significance. It's found frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid overstating the impact of the achievement. Alternative phrases like "modest achievement" or "minor triumph" can provide similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest achievement

Indicates a limited accomplishment.

minor triumph

Emphasizes a victory of lesser scale.

limited accomplishment

Highlights the restricted nature of the success.

partial victory

Suggests that not all goals were achieved.

slight progress

Focuses on the incremental advancement made.

marginal gain

Points out a minimal improvement or benefit.

narrow win

Highlights the close margin of victory.

baby step

Denotes an initial, small action towards a larger goal.

token victory

Suggests a symbolic win with little practical impact.

initial breakthrough

Emphasizes the beginning stage of a significant advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "small success" to describe a modest achievement or a minor positive outcome. For example, "The project, while not a complete triumph, represented a "small success" for the team".

What's a good alternative to "small success"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "small success" could include "modest achievement", "minor triumph", or "limited accomplishment".

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

Yes, "small success" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you want to downplay an achievement or present it as part of a larger effort. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall message.

What is the difference between "small success" and "big success"?

"Small success" refers to a modest, limited achievement, while "big success" describes a significant, substantial accomplishment. The choice depends on the actual impact and scope of the positive outcome.