unsuccessful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unsuccessful
First recorded in 1610–20; un- 1 + successful
Explanation
When something is unsuccessful, it means it didn’t quite work out as planned, like trying to bake a towering, multilayered cake and ending up with a pancake instead. The word unsuccessful comes from the Latin roots un- meaning "not" and successus, meaning "a good outcome." It describes an attempt that doesn’t achieve its intended result. For example, an unsuccessful attempt at gardening will result in wilted plants rather than beautiful blooms. Although being unsuccessful can be frustrating, it’s also a valuable part of learning and growing. Many great inventors and artists faced unsuccessful attempts before finally succeeding.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Until last week’s combined intervention, both Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, had tried to boost the yen merely through verbal encouragement — but that strategy proved unsuccessful.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026
However, his appeals have been unsuccessful and he is due to be flown back to Ireland within weeks.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Shortly after, Sheinbaum announced that Mexico’s navy had been deployed from Acapulco in the ultimately unsuccessful search for a survivor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
Young umpires who climbed through the ranks are already familiar with ABS, which grants teams two unsuccessful challenges per game.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
"Ooh! You're a dreadful height," gasped Shasta after his first, and unsuccessful attempt.
From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
