B2adjectiveworkeducation
US/ˌʌn.səkˈses.fəl/
UK/ˌʌn.səkˈses.fəl/
not achieving the result or goal that you wanted
In context
After two unsuccessful attempts, she finally passed her driving test.
Unfortunately, your job application was unsuccessful this time.
The company made an unsuccessful bid to buy its main competitor.
Words that go with unsuccessful
adjective + noun
- unsuccessful attemptHis first unsuccessful attempt taught him a lot.
- unsuccessful candidateUnsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.
- unsuccessful bidTheir unsuccessful bid cost the city millions.
- unsuccessful applicationYou can reapply after an unsuccessful application.
verb + adjective
- prove unsuccessfulThe treatment proved unsuccessful.
adjective + preposition
- unsuccessful inShe was unsuccessful in finding an apartment.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
unsuccessful to findCorrect: unsuccessful in finding