unsuccessful

adjective

un·​suc·​cess·​ful ˌən-sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce unsuccessful (audio)
Synonyms of unsuccessfulnext
: not successful : not meeting with or producing success
unsuccessfully adverb

Examples of unsuccessful in a Sentence

His last novel was unsuccessful. an unsuccessful attempt to fix the faucet ourselves
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.
More than a decade ago, her association sought the same change at the federal level and was unsuccessful — opposed at the time by Wine Institute. Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 The city had taken it over, but several attempts at renovation were unsuccessful, until Alan Leventhal, chief executive of Beacon Capital Partners, happened to see the building and envisioned it as a great hotel. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 June 2026 Her attorney did not speak with the news outlet, and attempts to contact the defendant Thursday by The Times were unsuccessful. Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 Brown’s name has remained in trade rumors since Boston included him in its unsuccessful offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuccessful

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsuccessful was in 1617

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuccessful. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

unsuccessful

adjective
un·​suc·​cess·​ful ˌən(t)-sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce unsuccessful (audio)
: not successful : not having or producing success
unsuccessfully adverb

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