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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Example Sentences

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 The shelter says that a veterinarian was brought to the scene to assist in another attempt to immobilize the cow chemically, but the attempt was unsuccessful, leading to the decision to kill the cow using a firearm by local law enforcement. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Though both candidates trod familiar themes that stretched back over four years and Bailey’s unsuccessful 2022 challenge to Pritzker, some issues were new. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 Davis voters previously supported an unsuccessful effort to replace PG&E with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, or SMUD. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 So far, his second attempt at securing an energy ceasefire also seems unsuccessful. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuccessful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsuccessful

Adjective

Adelaide’s music had become an argument, however futile, with finality.

— Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
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

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

Browse Nearby Words

unsubtle

unsuccessful

unsuitability

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“Unsuccessful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsuccessful. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsuccessful

adjective

Example Sentences

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