unsuccessful
adjective
un·suc·cess·ful
ˌən-sək-ˈses-fəl 
: not successful : not meeting with or producing success
Examples of unsuccessful in a Sentence
His last novel was unsuccessful.
an unsuccessful attempt to fix the faucet ourselves
Recent Examples on the Web
The couple share three adult children and frequently appeared together during his political career, which spanned several terms as a North Miami councilman, a term as North Miami mayor and an unsuccessful bid for county commissioner.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Anaheim challenged for goaltender interference but was unsuccessful.
—ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
Multiple attempts to reach the property owner were unsuccessful.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
The paramedics attempted to revive the man but were unsuccessful.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsuccessful
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Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Anaheim challenged for goaltender interference but was unsuccessful.
—ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
Multiple attempts to reach the property owner were unsuccessful.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
The paramedics attempted to revive the man but were unsuccessful.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsuccessful
Cite this Entry
“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuccessful. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unsuccessful
adjective
un·suc·cess·ful
ˌən(t)-sək-ˈses-fəl
: not successful : not having or producing success
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