Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
feel unsuccessful
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'feel unsuccessful' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "After failing the exam, he had begun to feel unsuccessful."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
All the others feel unsuccessful, covering up their feelings of insecurity with increasing narcissism.
News & Media
"I know it shouldn't feel unsuccessful, but the only way to come back and make that be the right decision would be to come back and win a Super Bowl.
News & Media
One of the bizarre legacies of this imperial mayoralty is that, just as one-percenters in New York now feel unsuccessful because they can't make the mortgage on a one-bedroom apartment, Bloomberg has shifted the scale for self-funding politicians.
News & Media
Instead, get specific about what is making you feel unsuccessful.
News & Media
If you want to create success but you feel unsuccessful in life, then you're not in alignment with your desired outcome.
News & Media
They feel unsuccessful and unhappy, and use drugs as a temporary medication [ 8].
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
So I felt unsuccessful.
News & Media
What if I let these parts feel weak, unsuccessful, and fat?
News & Media
"I didn't think that worked as outpatient treatment, so I felt totally unsuccessful," she said.
News & Media
Edwards decided to try a 2-point conversion after that touchdown -- and after another by Martin that gave the Jets a 15-14 lead in the fourth quarter -- but said he felt the unsuccessful attempts were worthwhile if only to spark the team.
News & Media
Nevertheless, we can still respond to the successful murderer with more of the "right" kind of anger than we feel toward the unsuccessful one.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
To better understand why you "feel unsuccessful", use journaling or self-reflection to pinpoint specific areas of concern and then address them directly.
Common error
Don't let the feeling of being "unsuccessful" lead to inaction. Instead, use it as a catalyst to re-evaluate your goals and strategies.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "feel unsuccessful" functions as a subjective description of one's perceived lack of achievement or success. This expression aligns with Ludwig's assessment, reflecting personal sentiment.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
20%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "feel unsuccessful" is a grammatically sound and valid way to express a personal sentiment of lacking success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is indeed correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, the expression appears mostly in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. When experiencing this feeling, it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons through introspection and potentially redefine goals for more achievable outcomes. Several alternative phrases, like "feel inadequate" or "feel unfulfilled", can provide nuance depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
feel like a failure
Expresses a stronger sense of personal failing compared to simply feeling unsuccessful.
feel inadequate
Focuses on a sense of lacking necessary skills or qualities.
feel defeated
Emphasizes the sense of being overcome by challenges or setbacks.
feel unfulfilled
Highlights a lack of satisfaction or purpose in one's endeavors.
feel like I'm not achieving anything
More specific and emphasizes the lack of progress or accomplishment.
feel like I'm getting nowhere
Emphasizes the lack of progress or advancement.
feel like I'm falling short
Highlights not meeting expectations or standards.
feel as though I've missed the mark
Emphasizes a deviation from intended goals or success.
feel ineffective
Focuses on the lack of desired results from one's actions.
feel unproductive
Highlights a lack of output or results.
FAQs
How can I use "feel unsuccessful" in a sentence?
You can use "feel unsuccessful" to describe a state of dissatisfaction with your achievements. For example, "After many rejections, the artist began to "feel unsuccessful"."
What's the difference between "feel unsuccessful" and "feel like a failure"?
"Feel unsuccessful" suggests a temporary state of lacking success, while "feel like a failure" indicates a deeper, more pervasive sense of personal inadequacy. "Feel like a failure" implies a stronger emotional weight.
What are some alternatives to "feel unsuccessful"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "feel inadequate", "feel unfulfilled", or "feel defeated" instead of "feel unsuccessful".
Is it grammatically correct to say "feel unsuccessful"?
Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "feel unsuccessful". The verb "feel" is used as a linking verb, connecting the subject to the adjective "unsuccessful".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested