unsuccessful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A former Yale offensive lineman, he started his career as a high school football coach after an unsuccessful attempt to make the NFL and now describes himself as a “lifelong entrepreneur.”

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

“He was unsuccessful in this effort, but it shows some of the ways he tried to leverage his interactions with me to further his agenda.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Former Northwest Airlines co-chairman Al Checchi spent more than $40 million of his money on an unsuccessful gubernatorial primary campaign in 1998, which broke records at the time.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Many do not inform candidates they have been rejected or provide feedback about why interviews have been unsuccessful, something highlighted in the Milburn report.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

I'd done my solo and would now move on to pursue other equally unsuccessful ways of getting attention.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris