unsuccessful

adjective

un·​suc·​cess·​ful ˌən-sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce unsuccessful (audio)
: not successful : not meeting with or producing success
unsuccessfully adverb

Examples of unsuccessful in a Sentence

His last novel was unsuccessful. an unsuccessful attempt to fix the faucet ourselves
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First responders also attempted to revive Riccardo, but were unsuccessful, the outlet added. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 12 July 2025 All attempts to resuscitate the man were unsuccessful, Park Service officials said. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 July 2025 The firms wanted to purchase Lincoln Yards’ entire 53 acres, but negotiations with J.P. Morgan Asset Management, which controls the southern half, have so far been unsuccessful. Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025 Legal challenges meant Trump was unsuccessful in his first term as president in terminating TPS for Nicaragua and Honduras. Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsuccessful

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsuccessful was in 1617

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuccessful. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsuccessful

adjective
un·​suc·​cess·​ful ˌən(t)-sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce unsuccessful (audio)
: not successful : not having or producing success
unsuccessfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unsuccessful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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