Synonyms of unsuccessful

unsuccessful

adjective

ˌən-sək-ˈses-fəl 

as in futile

producing no results

an unsuccessful attempt to fix the faucet ourselves

Synonyms & Similar Words

• futile
• useless
• abortive
• unavailing
• fruitless
• impossible
• ineffective
• insufficient
• vain
• unprofitable
• in vain
• ineffectual
• worthless
• inadequate
• unproductive
• of no avail
• meaningless
• profitless
• empty
• lost
• bootless
• inefficacious
• not worth the candle
• barren
• no dice
• pointless
• hopeless
• otiose
• hollow
• valueless
• lacking
• idle
• unattainable
• counterproductive
• wanting
• no-win

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• successful
• effective
• efficient
• profitable
• productive
• fruitful
• virtuous
• deadly
• worthwhile
• potent
• meaningful
• sufficient
• adequate
• efficacious
• effectual
• practical
• feasible
• applicable
• functional
• workable
• practicable
• usable
• useable
• realizable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unsuccessful

Later that day, Sherrell was found unresponsive and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. —Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 12 Mar. 2025

In 1962, after eight years as vice president and then losing the ultra-close 1960 presidential election, Nixon made an unsuccessful bid for governor of California — at the time, a Republican state. —Joshua Spivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025

Stephanie played her shot in the dark (a 1 in 6 chance at safety in exchange for a vote), but was unsuccessful and the 38-year-old tech product lead living in Brooklyn was the first person to be voted out of Season 48. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025

The two had been hired to kill Pino’s estranged wife, according to the FBI, though their attempts up to that point had been unsuccessful. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025