UNSUCCESSFUL Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

unsuccessful

adjective

ˌən-sək-ˈses-fəl

Definition of unsuccessful

as in futile

producing no results an unsuccessful attempt to fix the faucet ourselves

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unsuccessful Exxon and Suncor attempted to move the case to federal court, but that effort was unsuccessful. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Attempting to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five National League Division Series, the Braves were unsuccessful, losing 3-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night at Truist Park. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 Giordani’s efforts to strike up a conversation with Bottom prove unsuccessful, as the Bronx resident remains quiet throughout much of the encounter. — Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuccessful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsuccessful

Adjective

Before the court fight was launched, Edwin Benn, the arbitrator who oversaw 2023 contract negotiations between the city and FOP, warned the City Council that any attempt to undermine his award to the union would be futile.

— Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
It’s also brilliantly written as a futile, pathetic rebellion by men with zero agency or purpose in their own lives.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of futile

Adjective

Smith’s work on Good Will Hunting came immediately after an intervention planned by some friends — including Bolme, Garry, and Gust — that ended in an abortive rehab stint.

— Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Primus could easily have been a blip, one of many abortive major label risks in a decade when the industry was swimming in cash.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of abortive

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unsubtle

unsuccessful

unsuitability

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“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsuccessful. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsuccessful

adjective

Example Sentences

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