# unsuccessful

/ˌənsəkˈsɛsfəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnsəksˈɛsfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unsuccessful
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was unsuccessful to find a job." but "He was unsuccessful in finding a job." — The adjective 'unsuccessful' typically takes the preposition 'in' followed by a gerund, rather than an infinitive.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'in' plus a noun or a gerund.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.