unsuccessful

adjective

un·​suc·​cess·​ful ˌən-sək-ˈses-fəl 

: not successful : not meeting with or producing success

unsuccessfully

ˌən-sək-ˈses-fə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of unsuccessful

• futile
• useless
• abortive

Examples of unsuccessful in a Sentence

His last novel was unsuccessful.

an unsuccessful attempt to fix the faucet ourselves

Recent Examples on the Web

Attempts to reach Ying through his attorney were unsuccessful. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 15 July 2026

If this process is unsuccessful and the slowly rolling ball is easily saved, the problem wasn’t necessarily the kick itself. — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Wimbledon tickets are not viable for resale on any of the usual platforms—but there is a Ballot Returns Shop, which is available to anyone who applied for the original ticket ballot but was unsuccessful. — Fiona Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

The robbery was unsuccessful, and the suspect was arrested, per Beltsville Community Cats. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unsuccessful

• make an unsuccessful run for

Rhymes for unsuccessful

• distressful
• successful
• stressful

Kids Definition

unsuccessful

adjective

un·​suc·​cess·​ful ˌən(t)-sək-ˈses-fəl 

: not successful : not having or producing success

unsuccessfully

-fə-lē 

adverb