unsuccessful
gb/ˌʌnsəksˈɛsfəl/ us/ˌʌnsəksˈɛsfəl/
B1
English
~ 7700
sikertelen, eredménytelen, nem sikeres
B1
1
sikertelen
B1
Usage pattern:
be unsuccessful in [doing something]
Their attempts to reach a compromise were unsuccessful.
A kompromisszum elérésére tett próbálkozásaik sikertelenek voltak.
The treatment was unsuccessful, so the doctors tried another approach.
A kezelés sikertelen volt, ezért az orvosok más megközelítést próbáltak ki.
Police conducted an extensive but unsuccessful search of the area.
Our first marketing campaign was unsuccessful and reached very few customers.
His application for the visa was unsuccessful and he had to postpone his trip.
Learner examples
Their plan to save the company was unsuccessful.
A tervük, amellyel meg akarták menteni a céget, sikertelen volt.
The first operation was unsuccessful, so they did a second one.
Az első műtét sikertelen volt, ezért egy másodikat is elvégeztek.
My job interview was unsuccessful, and I did not get the job.
The team made an unsuccessful attempt to fix the problem.
She was unsuccessful in finding a cheap hotel.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"It was not success"* instead of *"It was unsuccessful" or "It was not a success". Use **unsuccessful** to describe an attempt, plan, or action that did not work. Also, use the pattern **be unsuccessful in doing something**, not *"be unsuccessful to do something"* (correct: "He was unsuccessful in finding a job," not "He was unsuccessful to find a job").
Meaning
not achieving the intended result
Collocations
unsuccessful attempt
|unsuccessful effort
|unsuccessful search
|unsuccessful operation
|unsuccessful bid
|prove unsuccessful
Synonyms
failed (Slightly stronger and more direct; often used for plans or attempts that clearly did not work.)
|
ineffective (Focuses more on not working well or not producing the desired effect, rather than simply not reaching a goal.)
Antonyms
successful (Describes an attempt or action that achieved the desired or planned result.)
|
effective (Emphasizes that something works well and produces the desired effect.)
Themes
daily life
|work
|education
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not getting the result you wanted from a particular try or action.
Not achieving the intended, expected, or desired result in a specific effort, attempt, or action.
B1
2
sikertelen
B1
nem sikeres
B1
Usage pattern:
be unsuccessful as [a role]
After several unsuccessful years as a writer, she changed careers.
Több sikertelen, íróként töltött év után pályát váltott.
The company has been largely unsuccessful in the European market.
A vállalat eddig többnyire sikertelennek bizonyult az európai piacon.
He felt like an unsuccessful father because he could not support his family.
Despite many projects, they remain an unsuccessful firm in the tech sector.
There were more than a hundred unsuccessful candidates for the position.
Learner examples
He was an unsuccessful lawyer and earned very little money.
Sikertelen ügyvéd volt, és nagyon kevés pénzt keresett.
The company was unsuccessful for many years and then closed.
A cég sok éven át sikertelen volt, majd bezárt.
She felt unsuccessful compared to her friends.
Many unsuccessful applicants did not receive any feedback.
They were unsuccessful as farmers and moved to the city.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse describing a person (*"an unsuccessful engineer"*) with describing a single attempt (*"an unsuccessful attempt to design a bridge"*). Use this sense when talking about a person’s general career or life success, not just one action.
Meaning
not successful in life or career
Collocations
unsuccessful candidate
|unsuccessful applicant
|unsuccessful businessman
|unsuccessful career
|remain unsuccessful
Synonyms
failing (Can sound more negative or judgmental, often suggesting repeated or serious lack of success.)
|
unpromising (Focuses on low chances of future success rather than current lack of success.)
Antonyms
successful (Describes a person or group that has achieved desired goals or status in work or life.)
|
accomplished (Emphasizes high achievement and recognized skill or success in a field.)
Themes
work
|business
|social life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not having the success you want in your work, life, or main goals.
Having not achieved success, recognition, or desired status in career, business, or other long-term goals.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unsuccessful
IPA
GB/ˌʌnsəksˈɛsfəl/
US/ˌʌnsəksˈɛsfəl/
Syllables & stress
un - suc - cess - ful (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (cess)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unsuccessful
Word family
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
unsuccessfully
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.