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

In 2020, he spent $342 million on a brief, unsuccessful presidential campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Pollard was unsuccessful with three penalties in a row, keeping the gap at one point with seven minutes to play.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

He sought "revenge" for the court defeat and a series of unsuccessful criminal complaints, and wanted to "continue to attract public and media attention", the prosecutor argued.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Pete was even more famous, however, for playing a heroic role in an unsuccessful expedition to K2 in 1953, the same year Hillary and Tenzing reached the peak of Everest.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer