is unsuccessful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unsuccessful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, action, or effort that did not achieve the desired outcome or result. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the project is unsuccessful in meeting its goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But even he is unsuccessful.

The Economist

But "commodity manufacturing is unsuccessful.

The Economist

If he is unsuccessful, he faces a yearlong suspension.

The New York Times

He is unsuccessful up to the time h he leaves.

The New Yorker

If a player is unsuccessful, they are out.

Independent

If the protection claim is unsuccessful, an immediate review is initiated.

The Guardian

Chris is told he is unsuccessful at the audition process and sent on his way.

The Guardian

He is unsuccessful, the children play tricks on him, and he decides to leave.

The New Yorker

He is unsuccessful and he ruins the blade in his attempt.

The New Yorker

"If she is unsuccessful the embryos will have to be destroyed immediately".

The Guardian

If he is unsuccessful, his track career would most likely be over.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing failures, use "is unsuccessful" to maintain a professional tone. For less formal contexts, consider simpler alternatives like "doesn't work".

Common error

Avoid using "is unsuccessful" repeatedly in passive constructions. Instead of saying "The attempt was deemed unsuccessful," try a more direct and active voice: "The team's attempt failed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unsuccessful" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a subject to indicate a lack of desired outcome or achievement. Ludwig examples show it is used to describe actions, attempts, or strategies that do not achieve their intended results. Ludwig AI classifies the phrase usage as correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unsuccessful" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a lack of desired outcome or achievement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts to objectively convey failures or a lack of success. While it's a common and neutral expression, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing alternatives. To maintain a professional tone, "is unsuccessful" is preferred in formal writing, whereas simpler phrases may be more suitable for informal communication. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "is unsuccessful" to communicate outcomes in a clear and informative manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not succeed

This alternative replaces the adjective with a verb phrase indicating a failure to achieve a goal.

is without success

This alternative rephrases the original using a prepositional phrase to indicate the absence of success.

fails to achieve

This phrase uses a stronger verb to emphasize the lack of accomplishment.

does not work

This is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the failure to produce the intended result.

proves fruitless

This alternative uses a more metaphorical and descriptive term to highlight the lack of positive results.

falls short

This phrase highlights the idea that something did not reach the required standard or expectation.

turns out to be ineffective

This option focuses on the ineffectiveness of an action or strategy.

is unrealized

This option suggests that a potential or intended outcome did not materialize.

is to no avail

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the lack of benefit or impact.

comes to nothing

This idiomatic expression conveys the idea that efforts or plans did not yield any positive outcome.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is unsuccessful"?

You can use alternatives like "does not succeed", "fails to achieve", or "proves fruitless" depending on the context.

How to use "is unsuccessful" in a sentence?

The phrase "is unsuccessful" typically describes an attempt, action, or strategy that does not achieve its intended goal. For example: "The initial treatment plan is unsuccessful, requiring a different approach."

What's the difference between "is unsuccessful" and "has failed"?

"Is unsuccessful" implies a present state of not achieving success, whereas "has failed" indicates a completed action that did not succeed. "The project is unsuccessful" suggests ongoing issues, while "The project has failed" implies its termination.

When is it appropriate to use "is unsuccessful" versus simpler terms like "doesn't work"?

"Is unsuccessful" is suitable for formal writing and professional settings. Simpler phrases like "doesn't work" are more appropriate for informal communication. Consider the audience and context when choosing the right expression.