Word
unsuccessful
Phoneticsun·suc·cess·ful, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənsəkˈsɛsfəɫ/
UK/ʌnsəksˈɛsfəl/
Definition
adj. not achieving the result you wanted or hoped for. You use this to describe a person or an action that fails to reach a goal.
adj. failing to accomplish an intended objective or produce a desired outcome. Often used to describe attempts, applications, or professional endeavours.
Examples
“The team was unsuccessful in their attempt to win the game.”
“After several unsuccessful job applications, she finally received an interview request from a local law firm.”
“Despite a series of unsuccessful negotiations between the two nations, diplomats remain hopeful that a peaceful resolution can be reached before the end of the fiscal year.”
Examples
simple
“The team was unsuccessful in their attempt to win the game.”
contextual
“After several unsuccessful job applications, she finally received an interview request from a local law firm.”
complex
“Despite a series of unsuccessful negotiations between the two nations, diplomats remain hopeful that a peaceful resolution can be reached before the end of the fiscal year.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unsuccessful” in context.
Adjective
01. largely unsuccessful
“Their first attempt to climb the mountain was largely unsuccessful due to the bad weather.”
adv + adj
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'in' plus a noun or a gerund.
Pitfall
He was unsuccessful to find a job.
He was unsuccessful in finding a job.
The adjective 'unsuccessful' typically takes the preposition 'in' followed by a gerund, rather than an infinitive.
Etymology
From un- + successful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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