In this post we are going to look at advanced level vocabulary for the subject of success and failure.
Achieve something = get something done
The best way to achieve your goals is to work hard and have faith in your own ability.
Advance = progress
If you want to advance, you need to have a plan.
Be doomed to failure = be sure to fail
The project was doomed to failure from the very beginning.
Be no mean feat = not be easy
To get my thesis finished on time has been no mean feat.
Blow a chance = miss an opportunity
I am afraid that you have blown your chance already.
Come off = be successful
If this project is going to come off, we need to put in a lot of effort.
Cope with = handle something
Even though you try hard, it can be hard to cope with extreme pressure.
Fail at something = not be successful
Everyone has failed at something in their life. The important thing is how to deal with that failure.
Fulfill potential = achieve
My son can do anything he likes if he fulfills his potential.
Have trouble/difficulty/problems (gerund) = find something hard
I have a lot of trouble focusing my attention.
Hinder progress = impede progress
There are many obstacles that can hinder your progress.
Lead to success = become successful
Making good contacts can often lead to success.
Make headway = make progress
I am making headway at work.
Manage (infinitive) = get something done
If only I could manage to finish all my projects on time.
Reach a goal = achieve something
I always reach my goals without exception.
Struggle (infinitive) = find something hard
I am struggling to find my calling; I just can´t decide what i want to do for a living.
Suffer a setback = to encounter a problem
My brother has suffered a huge setback at work.
Succeed in (gerund) = get something done
I succeeded in passing the state exam.
Take a chance/opportunity = seize an opportunity
If you want a promotion, you need to take this chance with both hands.
Take advantage of = make the most of
I am taking advantage of my spare time to improve my skills.
Thrive = be successful
The guy on work experience is thriving in his new role.
Try = make an effort
The key is to try your best and put in 100% effort.
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An great way to talk about success and failure is to focus on the personality traits that are related to the topic
| POSITIVE | NEGATIVE |
| USEFUL/SKILLED | USELESS |
| HARDWORKING/TENACIOUS | LAZY |
| SOCIABLE/OUTGOING | SHY |
| CREATIVE/INSPIRED | UNINSPIRED |
| EXTROVERT | INTROVERY |
| ORGANISED | UNORGANISED |
| TRAINED | UNTRAINED |
| OPTIMISTIC | PESSIMISTIC |
| GENEROUS/KIND | STINGY/TIGHT |
| PRODUCTIVE | UNPRODUCTIVE |
Practice questions:
- How would you describe a highly successful person?
- Do you think you will become successful?
- What kind of personality do you need to become successful?
- Do you need to be intelligent to achieve success?
- Is it important to make contacts and network to become successful?
