ENGLISH
REFERENCE

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.

Antonyms
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.

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