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

Machado’s party said that last Monday night, the opposition leader made three unsuccessful attempts to return. — Clyburn Saint John, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

After hours of unsuccessful negotiations, deputies breached the apartment’s front door and sent a drone inside. — Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Attempts to reach Hobart City Attorney Heather McCarthy by phone at the city’s Law Department on Thursday and Friday for comment were unsuccessful. — Jim Masters, Chicago Tribune, 27 Sep. 2026

Kasdin said, up to now, efforts to negotiate with the residents on Fifth Street have been unsuccessful. — Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 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