Word
unsuccessfully
Phoneticsun·suc·cess·ful·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənsəkˈsɛsfəɫi/
UK/ʌnsəksˈɛsfəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“He tried unsuccessfully to open the locked door.”
“The rescue team searched the area unsuccessfully for three days before calling off the operation.”
“The legal team argued unsuccessfully for a stay of execution, as the judge remained unconvinced by the new evidence presented during the emergency hearing.”
Examples
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.
Real-World Examples
“Hackers had unsuccessfully attempted to access NASA networks in August 2019.” “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.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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