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.
Harry waged a years-long, ultimately unsuccessful legal battle with the government to reinstate his publicly funded security.
From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026
Previous efforts by Walmart to increase clothing sales by offering more fashionable items have proved costly and unsuccessful.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
Efforts to reach a resolution before initiating arbitration were unsuccessful, the company added.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
He appealed the extradition order over the past few months but his attempts were unsuccessful.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
My attempts at keeping the terror from my voice were unsuccessful, but Bob just pumped his hand up and down, kept his lids locked tight.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
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.
