Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unsuccessful Although Jelly Roll and Orton were ultimately unsuccessful in securing the victory, Roll's performance in the match received positive attention. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 Officers then tried to subdue him with less-lethal beanbag rounds and a K-9 unit, but those attempts were unsuccessful. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025 During a search of the fast-food chain, officers found a delivery driver unresponsive before he was pronounced dead at the scene following unsuccessful medical aid, officials said. Paloma Chavez, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025 But these efforts were unsuccessful. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsuccessful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsuccessful
Adjective
  • Understanding each other is futile.
    Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The court fights all proved futile, however.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sarah has a useless husband and a useless job.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Lavin bought hard copies of the AI knockoffs of her book, and wasn’t surprised to find that each was useless in its own way.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Even as Nintendo has endlessly mined its classic consoles for nostalgic re-releases in recent decades, the company has seemed to completely ignore the existence of the Virtual Boy—its abortive 1990s dip into the world of early virtual reality.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Our main girl, Diva, is a diva down, forced into abortive encounters with the A.I. that stands, literally, between the goods and services supportive of her everyday life.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsuccessful. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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