Synonyms of unsuccessful

unsuccessful

adjective

ˌən-sək-ˈses-fəl 

as in futile

producing no results

an unsuccessful attempt to fix the faucet ourselves

Synonyms & Similar Words

• futile
• useless
• abortive
• unavailing
• fruitless
• impossible
• ineffective
• insufficient
• vain
• unprofitable
• in vain
• ineffectual
• worthless
• inadequate
• unproductive
• of no avail
• meaningless
• profitless
• empty
• lost
• bootless
• inefficacious
• not worth the candle
• barren
• no dice
• pointless
• hopeless
• otiose
• hollow
• valueless
• lacking
• idle
• unattainable
• counterproductive
• wanting
• no-win

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• successful
• effective
• efficient
• profitable
• productive
• fruitful
• virtuous
• deadly
• worthwhile
• potent
• meaningful
• sufficient
• adequate
• efficacious
• effectual
• practical
• feasible
• applicable
• functional
• workable
• practicable
• usable
• realizable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unsuccessful

Last month, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed an unsuccessful request for a temporary restraining order in an effort to block Castro’s release or to order his return to Minnesota, The Associated Press reported. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Recent legislative efforts to officially expand its authority to include equity stakes have so far proven unsuccessful. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026

However, the two bodies are already anticipating an additional cost to taxpayers associated with both future elections, JCEB Democratic Director Sara Zorich said at a July 30 hearing for Perkins’ unsuccessful lawsuit to stop the vote. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Before joining the administration, Cao ran two unsuccessful congressional campaigns in Virginia. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026