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Unsuccessful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsuccessful

[หŒสŒn.sษ™kหˆsษ›sfสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

job interview

Not achieving the desired result or success; not effective or productive.

Synonyms

failed, unfulfilled, unproductive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsuccessful

This word is often used when an attempt or effort does not achieve the desired result. It is neutral in tone and can be applied to various contexts, such as projects, missions, or attempts.

  • Despite their best efforts, the mission was unsuccessful.
  • Her application to the university was unsuccessful.
unfulfilled

This word is used to describe something that has not lived up to expectations or has not been completed. It often has a personal or emotional aspect, such as dreams, aspirations, or promises.

  • She felt unfulfilled in her job and decided to pursue her passion.
  • Many people have unfulfilled dreams from their youth.
failed

This word has a slightly stronger negative connotation and is used when something has not only been unsuccessful but has also collapsed or gone wrong. It is commonly applied to exams, businesses, or attempts.

  • The project failed due to lack of funding.
  • He failed the math test.
unproductive

This word is used when efforts or activities do not produce any significant results, especially in terms of work or productivity. It is often used in professional or work-related settings.

  • The meeting was unproductive, with no clear outcomes.
  • Spending hours on social media is often unproductive.

Examples of usage

  • The candidate's unsuccessful attempt to answer the questions led to his rejection.
  • After multiple unsuccessful interviews, she decided to seek professional help with her resume.
  • The unsuccessful candidate was disappointed but determined to try again next time.
Context #2 | Noun

business venture

A lack of success in a particular endeavor or undertaking.

Synonyms

defeat, failure, fiasco.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsuccessful

Used to describe something that did not achieve the desired outcome, often in a neutral or factual manner.

  • The project was unsuccessful due to budget constraints.
  • He made several unsuccessful attempts to fix the car.
failure

Used to describe a lack of success in a broader sense, often carrying a more negative connotation.

  • The business venture ended in failure.
  • He felt like a failure after not getting the job.
defeat

Typically used in competitive situations, such as sports or arguments, where one side loses to another.

  • Our team faced a crushing defeat in the finals.
  • The politician conceded defeat after the election results were announced.
fiasco

Refers to a situation that went extremely wrong, often in a spectacular or embarrassing way.

  • The concert turned into a complete fiasco when the sound system failed.
  • The poorly planned event was a fiasco from start to finish.

Examples of usage

  • The project was deemed an unsuccessful venture due to financial losses.
  • Despite their best efforts, the team faced another unsuccessful quarter.
  • The entrepreneur learned valuable lessons from his unsuccessful startup.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Many famous entrepreneurs have faced numerous 'unsuccessful' ventures before achieving their goals, such as Thomas Edison and his many failed experiments before inventing the light bulb.
  • TV shows and movies often depict characters facing challenges and 'unsuccessful' moments to highlight their growth, such as in 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'

Psychology

  • Experiencing 'unsuccessful' moments can lead to resilience, helping individuals develop coping strategies for future challenges.
  • Research suggests that viewing 'unsuccessful' experiences as learning opportunities can positively impact mental health.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face 'unsuccessful' attempts to achieve their desires, such as in F. Scott Fitzgeraldโ€™s 'The Great Gatsby,' reflecting deeper themes of aspiration and failure.
  • Classic narratives often use 'unsuccessful' outcomes to propel character development and moral lessons, such as in Shakespeareโ€™s tragedies.

Business

  • 'Unsuccessful' projects in business are often analyzed to understand what went wrong, leading to insights that can improve future strategies.
  • Companies typically view initial 'unsuccessful' product launches as part of a cycle to innovate and refine offerings, adapting based on consumer feedback.

Origin of 'unsuccessful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'successful,' which comes from the Latin 'succedere,' meaning 'to come up to someone' or 'to result well.'
  • Historically, the term gained popularity in English during the 19th century, aligning with the rise of individual achievement culture.

The word 'unsuccessful' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'successful'. The term has been in use since the mid-17th century to describe the lack of achievement or accomplishment in various contexts.

See also: successes, successful, successfully, succession, successive, successively, successor, successors, unsuccess, unsuccessfully.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,679 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.