ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unsuccessful

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˌənsəkˈsɛsfəɫ// UK //ʌnsəksˈɛsfəl// un·suc·cess·ful

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From un- + successful.

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.

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