Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Unsuccessfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ž
Add to dictionary

unsuccessfully

[หŒสŒnsษ™kหˆsษ›sfสŠli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

trying without success

Without success; not achieving the desired outcome.

Synonyms

fruitlessly, ineffectively, unproductively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unsuccessfully

Used when an attempt or effort does not achieve the desired result.

  • He tried to open the locked door unsuccessfully
  • Despite her hard work, she applied for the job unsuccessfully
ineffectively

Used when describing actions or efforts that donโ€™t produce the desired effect or arenโ€™t efficient.

  • She addressed the problem ineffectively, causing more confusion
  • The team worked on the project ineffectively, leading to delays
fruitlessly

Often used to describe an effort that yields no positive outcome, suggesting a waste of time or resources.

  • They searched for the missing key fruitlessly
  • He spent the whole day working on the project fruitlessly
unproductively

Describes a situation where there is little to no useful output or progress.

  • He spent the evening unproductively, watching TV instead of studying
  • The meeting dragged on unproductively without any concrete decisions

Examples of usage

  • He attempted unsuccessfully to open the locked door.
  • The team tried unsuccessfully to score a goal in the final minutes of the game.
Context #2 | Adjective

not achieving the desired result

Not achieving the desired result or outcome.

Synonyms

failed, unaccomplished, unfulfilled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unsuccessfully

Use this word when an attempt to do something does not achieve the desired result, but without a strong sense of finality.

  • He tried to open the jar unsuccessfully.
  • She applied for the job but did so unsuccessfully.
failed

This word carries a stronger sense of finality and often implies a significant lack of success. It is commonly used when the outcome is particularly important or impactful.

  • He failed to pass the final exam.
  • The business venture failed, leading to bankruptcy.
unfulfilled

This word is used to describe emotional or personal dissatisfaction due to unmet expectations or goals. It often relates to deeper feelings rather than specific tasks or achievements.

  • He felt unfulfilled at his job despite the high salary.
  • Her childhood dreams remained unfulfilled.
unaccomplished

Use this word to describe someone who has not achieved notable success, usually in a professional or skill-based context. It often has a negative connotation.

  • Despite years of training, he remained unaccomplished in his musical career.
  • She felt unaccomplished compared to her classmates.

Examples of usage

  • The project was deemed to be unsuccessful due to the team's unsuccessfully efforts.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing failure can lead to resilience, where individuals learn from their mistakes and try again.
  • Research shows that people who view setbacks as learning opportunities may be more inclined to succeed in future attempts.
  • Cognitive distortions, like 'all-or-nothing thinking', can make failures seem more significant than they really are.

Literature

  • Many classic stories involve characters who try and fail, highlighting the journey and growth despite setbacks.
  • Famous works often feature themes of perseverance, where characters strive unsuccessfully but learn valuable lessons.
  • The concept of 'tragic failure' is prevalent in literature, portraying the bitter-sweet nature of human efforts.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV shows often showcase contestants who try unsuccessfully to win challenges, creating drama and entertainment.
  • In movies and television, underdog characters frequently face unsuccessful attempts before ultimately finding success.
  • Social media memes often humorously depict everyday situations where plans go awry, embodying the essence of unsuccessful efforts.

Business

  • Many startups face unsuccessful phases before finding a viable business model, highlighting the trial-and-error process.
  • Failure can be an important part of innovation, as it drives companies to pivot and adapt in their approaches.
  • In the corporate world, unsuccessful projects often lead to lessons learned that help shape successful future strategies.

Origin of 'unsuccessfully'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', adding a negation to the word 'success', which comes from Latin 'successus'.
  • The suffix '-fully' indicates the manner or condition of an action, enhancing the meaning to describe failing to achieve.
  • The word has been in use since the late 19th century, reflecting a growing need to describe failure in attempts.

The word 'unsuccessfully' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'successfully', which comes from the Old French word 'succes' meaning 'outcome' or 'result'. Over time, 'unsuccessfully' has been used to describe actions or endeavors that do not achieve the desired result, highlighting the lack of success in a particular situation.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,478, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.