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.
Stabilize leadership and prepare to scale down, S&P warns After CTU and CPS asking for more state funds earlier this year proved unsuccessful, new revenue from Springfield is unlikely, the S&P noted. Sarah MacAraeg, Chicago Tribune, 14 Dec. 2024 However, the equipment has been unsuccessful in detecting the drones. Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024 That action followed two unsuccessful suits by Venice neighborhood groups challenging its approval. Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 This would no longer be an unsuccessful timber plantation in an island nation too small to process wood at scale, but a temperate rainforest of varied heights, textures, sounds, and smells, from fragrant honeysuckle to the stinkhorn fungus. Christine Ro, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unsuccessful

Cite this Entry

“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuccessful. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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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