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

Attempts to reach Hobart City Attorney Heather McCarthy by phone at the city’s Law Department on Thursday and Friday for comment were unsuccessful. — Jim Masters, Chicago Tribune, 27 Sep. 2026

Kasdin said, up to now, efforts to negotiate with the residents on Fifth Street have been unsuccessful. — Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Pike’s unsuccessful appeals have alleged ineffective assistance of counsel and argued that executing her would be unconstitutional because of her mental illness, according to court documents. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

But while making an unsuccessful 2024 Senate bid, in an interview with the Detroit Free Press editorial board, Rogers refused to answer who won the presidential contest in 2020. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026