succession
gb/səksˈɛʃən/ us/səksˈɛʃən/
B1
English
~ 3100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
relation
1
A series of people or things
A number of people or things that come one after another in order or time.
Usage pattern:
a succession of [things/events/people]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'succession' with 'success', but 'succession' refers to things happening one after another, not achieving a goal.
Synonyms
sequence (More general term for any ordered arrangement or series.)
|
series (Often used for a set of related things or events happening one after another.)
Antonyms
interruption (A break or pause that stops a continuous sequence.)
Collocations
a succession of events
|a rapid succession
|in quick succession
|a succession of victories
Themes
general
|time
|order
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The team won a succession of games last season.
- A succession of visitors arrived at the house.
- He answered the questions in rapid succession.
- The country experienced a succession of political crises.
- She wore a succession of colorful dresses to the parties.
Learner examples
- We saw a succession of buses go by.
- The teacher asked a succession of questions.
- There was a succession of loud noises outside.
- A succession of birds flew over the field.
Noun
formal
B2
event
2
Taking over a role or position
When someone takes the place of another person in an important job or as king/queen.
Usage pattern:
succession to [a position/title]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'succession' with 'successful', but here it means taking over a role, not achieving something.
Synonyms
accession (More formal term often used for assuming office, especially in monarchies.)
|
inheritance (Refers more broadly to receiving property or titles, not just positions.)
Antonyms
abdication (The act of giving up a position or title voluntarily.)
Collocations
line of succession
|succession planning
|succession to the throne
|order of succession
Themes
politics
|law
|work
Examples
- The prince is next in line of succession to the throne.
- Succession to the presidency is outlined in the constitution.
- The company has a clear succession plan for its leadership.
- There was a dispute over the rightful succession to the estate.
Learner examples
- He is first in line of succession to be king.
- The rules for succession are in the law.
- Succession planning helps a company prepare new leaders.
- She became queen by right of succession.
Noun
technical
C1
event
3
Natural change in ecosystems over time
The slow change in plants and animals in an area over time, as some replace others.
Synonyms
ecological progression (Describes the gradual change in ecosystems over time.)
Antonyms
ecological stability (A state where there is little change in species composition over time.)
Collocations
ecological succession
|primary succession
|secondary succession
Themes
science
|environment
|nature
Examples
- Ecological succession can take hundreds of years to complete.
- Primary succession occurs on bare rock after volcanic activity.
- Secondary succession happens after a forest fire destroys vegetation.
Learner examples
- Ecological succession changes plants and animals over time.
- Primary succession starts on bare land.
- Secondary succession happens after damage to the land.
Grammar
Dictionary form
succession
IPA
GB/səksˈɛʃən/
US/səksˈɛʃən/
Syllables & stress
suc - ces - sion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ces)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: succession
- Plural: succession, successions
Word family
Forms
successions
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unsuccessful
adjective B1
unsuccessfully
adverb
Expressions
line of succession
1/lˈaɪn əv səksˈɛʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
Official order for inheriting a role
The official list showing who will get an important job or title next.
Examples
- He is third in the line of succession to the throne.
- The constitution defines the line of succession for the presidency.
succession planning
1/səksˈɛʃən plˈænɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
Preparing for role replacements in organizations
Making plans so that new people can take important jobs when needed.
Examples
- Succession planning ensures smooth leadership transitions.
- Good companies invest time in succession planning.
in quick succession
1/ˈɪn kwˈɪk səksˈɛʃən/
fixed phrase
One after another quickly
Happening right after each other without delay.
Examples
- Three runners crossed the finish line in quick succession.
- She sneezed twice in quick succession.
in quick succession
2/ˈɪn kwˈɪk səksˈɛʃən/
fixed phrase
Happening one after another quickly
Happening close together in time, without much gap.
Examples
- The team scored three goals in quick succession.
- Several cars passed by in quick succession.