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

Ruben Altidore, 36, repeatedly hacked at his sister in her bedroom in an unsuccessful attempt to kill her on Monday in Margate, which is located about 40 miles north of Miami, according to an arrest report obtained by WPLG. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

If those efforts are unsuccessful, personnel from the Avalon Fire Department and Los Angeles County’s Baywatch would be able to provide some level of emergency medical treatment while patients await transportation across the Catalina Channel. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

If that agency is unsuccessful, the account could later be reassigned to another agency. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Multiple attempts to contact someone at 1736 Family Crisis Center for comment were unsuccessful. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026