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.

“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

Sadler worked for Steyer in the final weeks of his presidential bid and scheduled $50 million of billionaire Rick Caruso’s money on ads during his unsuccessful 2022 Los Angeles mayoral campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

That bear is yet to be caught after attempts to tranquilise it were unsuccessful.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The development commission has recommended reviving the Hood County data center moratorium proposal, but those efforts have so far been unsuccessful in being added to the commissioners’ agenda.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Now when he should be enjoying the rewards accorded the most prestigious chair in science, he had to be responsible for the outrageous antics of an unsuccessful genius.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson