succeeding

Succeeding is the act or state of achieving a desired outcome or of coming after someone or something in time or order. In grammar, succeeding can function as the present participle of the verb succeed, as in succeeding in a task, or as an adjective, as in the succeeding chapter or the succeeding generation, meaning “following” or “coming next.”

The verb succeed derives from Latin succedere, and from Old French succeder. English uses succeed in multiple senses: to achieve a goal or desired result; to come after someone in position or rank (to succeed a predecessor); and to follow in sequence (the succeeding year, the succeeding chapter). The form succeeding emphasizes ongoing action or the items that come after.

In everyday use, people discuss succeeding in work, education, or personal aims. Success is context-dependent and measured by outcomes, milestones, or criteria relevant to the goal. The concept often involves planning, persistence, learning from setbacks, and adaptation. In succession contexts, a person can succeed another by assuming duties, rights, or office.

Common considerations for succeeding include goal setting, realistic planning, resource management, and feedback mechanisms. Strategies typically emphasize clarity of aims, stepwise progress, time management, resilience, and the ability to adjust plans in response to new information. While succeeding conveys progress toward a target, it remains contingent on context, effort, and external factors. See also success, achievement, perseverance, and succession.