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

Wimbledon tickets are not viable for resale on any of the usual platforms—but there is a Ballot Returns Shop, which is available to anyone who applied for the original ticket ballot but was unsuccessful. — Fiona Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

The robbery was unsuccessful, and the suspect was arrested, per Beltsville Community Cats. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Democratic strategist Morris Katz worked on both Platner’s unsuccessful Senate campaign and Mamdani’s successful mayoral bid. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026

Efforts to reach a spokesperson for the trust were unsuccessful. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026