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

Medics attempted life-saving measures on the child, but were unsuccessful. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Efforts by consumer advocates to lower that threshold have been unsuccessful. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026

His election as chief executive in 2008 and 2012 greatly furthered rapprochement with Beijing, though negotiations on representative offices were unsuccessful. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Fresh off his unsuccessful primary run for governor, Norman entered the Senate contest as one of several politicians more familiar to South Carolina voters. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 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