He tried to repair the engine but 'without success'. [=he was not able to repair the engine]
He will never 'succeed in' this business. [=he will never be successful in this business]
I am one of the diet clinic's 'success stories'. [=the diet clinic was able to help me]
(..) And you? Will you forget? Yes. Is Serozha all right? Oh, is that all I get? Yes, he's quite well. Were you a success? I? Oh, Dolly and Stiva. Yes, I think so. -I'll announce myself. -Very good, sir. (..)2012 Anna Karenina