be unsuccessful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unsuccessful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the outcome of an attempt or effort that did not achieve the desired result. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team may be unsuccessful in securing the funding they need for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Way to Be Unsuccessful.

The New York Times

Innovation requires experimentation and experiments can be unsuccessful.

The Guardian

Its Iran initiative proved to be unsuccessful diplomatically.

The New York Times

Mr. Ridge will be unsuccessful if he becomes an auxiliary White House press secretary.

The New York Times

What reasons do "labor experts" give to suggest that their efforts will be unsuccessful?

The New York Times

Data mining has not only proved to be unsuccessful here, but it is actually harmful.

The New York Times

It is highly likely I will be unsuccessful in that venture.

The Guardian

"I expect him to be unsuccessful in this case as well".

The New York Times

The president predicted — and Democrats agree — that the effort will be unsuccessful.

The New York Times

"The next 10 cases could be unsuccessful, of course," Dr. Tworetzky said.

The New York Times

"When you work as hard as we work, you don't think you're going to be unsuccessful.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific synonyms like "fail", "fall short", or "prove fruitless" to provide nuanced meaning depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid attributing the failure described by "be unsuccessful" to vague causes. Instead, specify the reasons or factors contributing to the lack of success for better clarity and informative value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unsuccessful" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by describing its state or condition as one of not achieving the desired outcome. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for English writing. Many examples in Ludwig show it used to describe attempts, efforts, or initiatives that did not reach their goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be unsuccessful" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe situations where an attempt or effort does not achieve its intended outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable in many contexts. It is frequently found in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. For more impactful writing, consider specifying the reasons behind the failure and choosing synonyms like "fail to succeed" or "not achieve success" to add nuance. While generally appropriate, avoid vague explanations for why something "be unsuccessful".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to succeed

This alternative directly contrasts success with failure, emphasizing the lack of a positive outcome.

not achieve success

This emphasizes the absence of accomplishment, highlighting that the desired result was not attained.

prove abortive

Suggests an effort that was cut short or failed to fully develop, implying a premature end.

come to naught

This implies that efforts resulted in nothing, suggesting a complete lack of progress or value.

fall flat

This phrase means to fail to produce the intended effect, especially due to a lack of interest or enthusiasm.

meet with failure

This phrase directly indicates encountering a lack of success or a negative result.

be in vain

Suggests that efforts were futile and produced no valuable outcome or result.

miss the mark

This means to fail to achieve the intended goal or outcome; to be inaccurate or incorrect.

founder

This suggests a collapse or breakdown, indicating a failure to maintain progress or stability.

bite the dust

An informal way of saying something has failed or come to an end.

FAQs

How can I use "be unsuccessful" in a sentence?

You can use "be unsuccessful" to describe an attempt or effort that did not achieve its desired outcome. For example, "Their attempts to negotiate a peace treaty may "be unsuccessful"."

What are some alternatives to "be unsuccessful"?

Some alternatives include "fail to succeed", "not achieve success", or "prove abortive". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "did not succeed" or "be unsuccessful"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "be unsuccessful" often carries a slightly stronger connotation of active effort that failed, whereas "did not succeed" can be a more neutral statement of outcome. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "be unsuccessful" and "be a failure"?

"Be unsuccessful" describes a specific attempt or action that did not achieve the desired result. "Be a failure" implies a more general or consistent lack of success, suggesting a broader pattern. For instance, "The project may "be unsuccessful"" versus "He fears he will "be a failure" in life".