Unsuccessful

/ˌʌn.səkˈsɛs.fəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not achieving the desired outcome; failing to attain success.

After months of trying to launch the product, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Not yielding the expected result.

The team's strategy was unsuccessful in overcoming the challenges posed by the competition.

Lacking success or favorable results.

Her attempts to secure funding for the project were unfortunately unsuccessful.

From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' combined with 'successful' which derives from 'success' + the suffix '-ful'.

a failed attempt

An effort that did not succeed.

to come up short

To fail to reach a desired goal or result.

not cut out for

Unsuitable or unsuited for a particular role or task.

success

The achievement of a goal or purpose.

failure

Lack of success in achieving a goal.

ineffectiveness

The quality of not producing the desired effect.

A bust

The whole venture turned out to be a bust.

A flop

The movie was a total flop at the box office.