be unsuccessful
Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in securing the job.
Trotz seiner Bemühungen hatte er keinen Erfolg bei der Jobsuche.
keinen Erfolg haben; scheitern
The project was unsuccessful due to poor planning.
Das Projekt war aufgrund schlechter Planung nicht erfolgreich.
She tried to start a business but was ultimately unsuccessful.
Sie versuchte, ein Unternehmen zu gründen, scheiterte aber letztlich.
Often used to describe outcomes where goals were not achieved despite attempts.
Kollokationen
Profi-Tipp
Common Prepositions
The phrase is typically followed by 'in' when referring to an action (e.g., 'unsuccessful in passing the exam').
Wortursprung
The phrase combines the verb 'be' with the adjective 'unsuccessful', which derives from Middle English 'un-' (not) + 'successful' (attaining success). The term 'successful' comes from Latin 'successus' (outcome, success), from 'succedere' (to come after, succeed).
Verwendungshinweise
Used in both formal and informal contexts. Often paired with prepositions like 'in' (e.g., 'unsuccessful in an attempt').