prosperity

noun

pros·​per·​i·​ty prä-ˈsper-ə-tē How to pronounce prosperity (audio)
Synonyms of prosperity
: the condition of being successful or thriving
especially : economic well-being

Examples of prosperity in a Sentence

a period of prosperity for our nation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our history has been marked by triumph and tragedy, prosperity and hardship, division and unity. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 The original story revolves around the strong-willed daughter of a village chief, who is chosen by the ocean to restore prosperity to her island. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 July 2026 Never before has our nation enjoyed, at once, so much prosperity and social progress with so little internal crisis and so few external threats. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026 Due to postwar prosperity and changes in pool-construction technology, private pools were no longer considered luxuries but within reach of the burgeoning middle-class. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prosperity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prosperite, borrowed from Anglo-French prosperité, borrowed from Latin prosperitāt-, prosperitās "favorable state or outcome, success," from prosperus "agreeable to one's wishes, successful" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at prosperous

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosperity was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing prosperity

Rhymes for prosperity

See All Rhymes for prosperity

Browse Nearby Words

prosper
prosperity
Prospero
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Cite this Entry

“Prosperity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosperity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prosperity

noun
pros·​per·​i·​ty prä-ˈsper-ət-ē How to pronounce prosperity (audio)
: the state of being prosperous or successful

More from Merriam-Webster on prosperity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prosperity

Nglish: Translation of prosperity for Spanish Speakers

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