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.
Several attempts to contact his ex-wife over multiple days were unsuccessful. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 The Premier League’s record appearances maker James Milner retired and Joel Veltman left when his contract expired at the end of June after unsuccessful talks over a new deal. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 July 2026 The law was Walker’s signature legislative achievement, catapulting him onto the national political stage and spurring an unsuccessful attempt to recall him from office. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 Attempts by The Charlotte Observer to reach Johnson and his business by phone and email were unsuccessful in recent weeks. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 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 1 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unsuccessful

Nglish: Translation of unsuccessful for Spanish Speakers

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