English Reference
Adverb

unsuccessfully

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌənsəkˈsɛsfəɫi/ UK /ʌnsəksˈɛsfəli/ un·suc·cess·ful·ly

adv.in a way that does not achieve the result you wanted. You use this when you try to do something but fail.

adv.in a manner that fails to achieve the desired outcome or objective.


SIMPLE

He tried unsuccessfully to open the locked door.

CONTEXTUAL

The rescue team searched the area unsuccessfully for three days before calling off the operation.

COMPLEX

The legal team argued unsuccessfully for a stay of execution, as the judge remained unconvinced by the new evidence presented during the emergency hearing.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.

Pitfall
He unsuccessfully in his attempt.He was unsuccessful in his attempt.

Learners often confuse the adverb 'unsuccessfully' with the adjective 'unsuccessful' after a linking verb.

Hackers had unsuccessfully attempted to access NASA networks in August 2019.

Al Jazeera· 26 Aug 2026

Influenced by Kellor and her fellow suffragists, Roosevelt championed women’s right to vote in his political platform when running (unsuccessfully) for a third term as president in 1912.

Smithsonian Magazine· 30 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated