unsuccessful
uhn-suhk-SEHSFL
Unsuccessful (adj) means not achieving the intended result; having failed. Example: “His first attempt at the exam was unsuccessful.”
adj
1
Not achieving the intended result; having failed.
"His unsuccessful attempt earned him sympathy, condolences, and an occasional good-natured ribbing."
"For example, an unsuccessful men's deodorant was successfully remerchandised by repackaging, heavier advertising, a higher price and new brand name 'Brut'."
— Luiz Moutinho, Charles S. Chien (2004)
"His first attempt at the exam was unsuccessful."
"The rescue mission was ultimately unsuccessful."
"After several unsuccessful job interviews, she began to lose confidence."
How to use unsuccessful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt failed — the goal was not reached.
Common pairings
unsuccessful attempt
unsuccessful bid
prove unsuccessful
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more unsuccessful
- Superlative
- most unsuccessful
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His first attempt at the exam was _____.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for unsuccessful
See all rhymes for unsuccessful →Frequently asked questions
What does “unsuccessful” mean?
The word “unsuccessful” means not achieving the intended result; having failed. In plain terms, it failed — the goal was not reached.
How do you pronounce “unsuccessful”?
“Unsuccessful” is pronounced uhn-suhk-SEHSFL (/ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “unsuccessful” in a sentence?
Here is “unsuccessful” used in a sentence: “His first attempt at the exam was unsuccessful.”
What is the opposite of “unsuccessful”?
The opposite of “unsuccessful” — its antonyms — is successful.
What part of speech is “unsuccessful”?
“Unsuccessful” is an adjective.
Is “unsuccessful” a common word?
“Unsuccessful” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "unsuccessful" and "failed"?
"Unsuccessful" describes an attempt or effort that did not achieve its intended result, and it is often used as a slightly softer, more formal alternative to "failed." "Failed" can carry a stronger sense of complete breakdown, while "unsuccessful" is common in neutral contexts like job applications or business outcomes.
Is "unsuccessful" a formal word to use in job rejection letters?
Yes, "unsuccessful" is the standard, polite term used in formal contexts such as recruitment, meaning the applicant did not achieve the intended result of being hired. Phrases like "your application was unsuccessful" are common in professional correspondence.
What is a common collocation with "unsuccessful"?
"Unsuccessful attempt" and "unsuccessful bid" are frequent collocations, both describing an effort that failed to achieve its intended result. It also pairs naturally with words like "candidate," "application," and "negotiation."
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