unsuccessful

adjective

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

Synonyms of unsuccessful

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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.
Recent legislative efforts to officially expand its authority to include equity stakes have so far proven unsuccessful. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 However, the two bodies are already anticipating an additional cost to taxpayers associated with both future elections, JCEB Democratic Director Sara Zorich said at a July 30 hearing for Perkins’ unsuccessful lawsuit to stop the vote. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Before joining the administration, Cao ran two unsuccessful congressional campaigns in Virginia. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026 Though unsuccessful, Clancy’s jump from a second story window that January 24, 2023 day has left her partially paralyzed and in a wheelchair. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing unsuccessful

Rhymes for unsuccessful

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Browse Nearby Words

unsuccess
unsuccessful
unsuccessfully
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Cite this Entry

“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuccessful. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
-fə-lē How to pronounce unsuccessful (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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