Synonyms for

Unsuccessful

Verb / ˌʌnsʌˈksesfʌl / Another word for unsuccessful — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not achieving or not having achieved success

Synonyms & similar words

stillborn successful abortive unfortunate unlucky failed ineffective fruitless unproductive unprofitable abortive vain unrewarding unpromising unfortunate disappointing discouraging unhappy unfulfilled unaccomplished unattained unrealized unmet

Synonyms by register

Formal

ineffective unproductive failed unavailing

Informal

failed bogged down a bust a flop

Literary

disastrous ill-fated doomed

Antonyms

successful victorious triumphant accomplished effective fruitful prosperous

Common collocations

  • unsuccessful attempt
  • unsuccessful bid
  • unsuccessful effort
  • unsuccessful venture
  • unsuccessful candidate
  • unsuccessful outcome
  • unsuccessful negotiation

Word family

noun unsuccess
adverb unsuccessfully

Usage note

Often used to describe attempts, efforts, or ventures that did not achieve their intended goal. It is a neutral term and generally avoids strong negative connotations.

Example sentences

  1. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to become a professional athlete.
  2. Her business venture was unsuccessful due to poor planning.
  3. The team was unsuccessful in their attempt to win the championship.
  4. The experiment was unsuccessful and had to be repeated.
  5. She felt unsuccessful in her career and decided to make a change.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. - Winston Churchill
  • Success is not the absence of failure; it's the persistence through failure. - Aisha Tyler

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