unsuccessful

adjective

un·​suc·​cess·​ful ˌən-sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce unsuccessful (audio)
: 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.
Those attempts have been unsuccessful so far. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025 That part of his plan was unsuccessful as he was cornered for interviews by seven television stations. Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 9 Sep. 2025 Being unsuccessful in an expensive city. Teddy Wayne september 9, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025 In one case, when the female did respond, the male was unsuccessful when trying to mate, confirming their differentiation as two species. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuccessful. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unsuccessful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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