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

Multiple attempts to reach McDowell for comment were unsuccessful. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

After the second trial, Reaves was again convicted and sentenced to death, and subsequent appeals were unsuccessful. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Marc came from the apparel industry and had an unsuccessful run as a Republican candidate for the Connecticut State Senate in 2018; Heidi was a former model and personal trainer; and Dixie, three years older than Charli, was an aspiring singer. — Nancy Jo Sales, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

While some states voluntarily handed over the information, the department sued 30 states and the District of Columbia to obtain it -- lawsuits that so far have been unsuccessful. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026