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What is another word for Unsuccessful? – 158 Unsuccessful Synonyms

    Need another word for Unsuccessful? Use these synonyms of Unsuccessful from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    unfruitful ineffectual futile unsuccessful abortive failed ineffective unproductive barren sterile stillborn useless worthless unavailing bootless profitless gainless unsuccessful vain idle idlely inept incompetent incapable inefficacious fruitless unprofitable unrewarding disappointing lamentable deplorable calamitous disastrous cataclysmic ruinous hapless ill-fated ill-starred unlucky unfortunate wretched miserable pathetic pitiful distressing disheartening dispiriting discouraging

    Meaning of Unsuccessful

    The primary meaning of the word "unsuccessful" is not achieving the intended goal or outcome.

    Definitions

    • Not achieving the intended goal or outcome
    • Failing to attain a desired level of success or achievement
    • Lacking the desired or expected outcome

    Etymology of Unsuccessful

    The word "unsuccessful" has its roots in the 15th century, derived from the prefix "un-" meaning "not" and "successful" from the Latin "successus," meaning "a coming after" or "a following after," and the suffix "-ful" which forms an adjective indicating a fullness or abundance of a quality.
    Historically, the term "unsuccessful" has been used to describe a wide range of situations, from business and finance to personal relationships and endeavors.

    Example Uses

    • The company's unsuccessful attempt to expand into the new market resulted in significant financial losses.
    • Despite her hard work, she felt unsuccessful in her efforts to learn the new language.
    • The unsuccessful candidate was disappointed but vowed to try again in the next election.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    successful effective productive fruitful profitable rewarding satisfying triumphant victorious winning accomplished achieved attained fulfilled realized completed crowned glorious resplendent thriving flourishing booming prosperous affluent wealthy opulent luxurious

    Related Nouns

    failure defeat disappointment frustration fiasco debacle disaster catastrophe calamity misfortune mishap mistake error blunder slip-up lapse oversight neglect omission shortcoming weakness flaw imperfection inadequacy insufficiency incompetence ineptness incapability

    Related Verbs

    fail flop founder flounder collapse crumble disintegrate deteriorate decline slip slide slump sink fall fold succumb surrender yield lose misfire malfunction backfire go wrong come undone unravel fall apart

    Related Adjectives

    ineffective inefficient unproductive barren sterile stillborn useless worthless unavailing bootless profitless gainless futile abortive failed inept incompetent incapable inefficacious fruitless unprofitable unrewarding disappointing lamentable deplorable calamitous disastrous cataclysmic ruinous