Looking up...
unsuccessful
/ʌnˈsʌk.sɛs.fəl/
not achieving the desired result
The negotiation was unsuccessful, so the deal fell through.
The negotiation did not achieve the desired result, so the deal ended.
general
Not achieving the desired aim or result; failing to succeed.
His attempt to climb the mountain was unsuccessful due to bad weather.
His attempt to climb the mountain failed because of bad weather.
She made several unsuccessful applications for the job.
She applied for the job several times but did not get it.
Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe outcomes neutrally.
Business
formal
Not effective or productive in achieving a specific purpose.
The marketing campaign proved unsuccessful in reaching the target demographic.
The marketing campaign failed to reach the intended audience.
Commonly used in reports and professional evaluations.
Collocations
unsuccessful attempta try that does not succeedunsuccessful applicantsomeone who applied but was not acceptedprove unsuccessfulto turn out to be a failure
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Neutral Tone
Use 'unsuccessful' instead of 'failed' in professional settings to sound more objective and less critical.
Gold Rule
Prefix Usage
The prefix 'un-' is a common negator in English. Ensure the base word ('successful') exists and accepts this prefix.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'un-' (not) + 'successful' (from Latin 'succedere' meaning to come after or succeed).
Usage Notes
Use 'unsuccessful' when you want to describe a lack of success in a neutral or formal way. It is less harsh than 'failed' or 'failure'.
Word Breakdown
un-
not
prefixsuccess
achievement of an aim
root-ful
full of
suffixEnglish Dictionary