it was unsuccessful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unsuccessful" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in any situation where something was not successful, as in the following example: John attempted to open the locked door, but it was unsuccessful.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was unsuccessful.

The New York Times - Arts

As a commercial enterprise, it was unsuccessful.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was unsuccessful, and he disappeared.

The Guardian - Travel

It was costly, and it was unsuccessful.

Britannica

Reflecting on the campaign, Skrtel said: "It was unsuccessful.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1854 a group of Mormon elders formed a colony, but it was unsuccessful.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's unsuccessful!" the announcer said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll try even if it is unsuccessful.

The Guardian

The system will warn you and we will not refund you if it is unsuccessful.

Cornell University

No identification numbers were visible on the plane, and efforts to contact it were unsuccessful.

The New York Times

Conversely, in Western Australia, it is unsuccessful claims that take the longest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was unsuccessful", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject of the unsuccessful attempt.

Common error

While acceptable, "it was unsuccessful" can sound repetitive in formal contexts. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it proved futile" or "it fell short" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unsuccessful" functions as a statement indicating the failure of a particular attempt or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage, highlighting its role in conveying a negative outcome. It serves to report that a specific effort did not achieve its intended goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was unsuccessful" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that a particular attempt or action did not achieve its desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. For example, you can rephrase it using alternatives like "it did not succeed" or "it proved futile" to add nuance or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it did not succeed

Replaces "unsuccessful" with a more direct term for failure.

it proved futile

Indicates a lack of positive outcome despite effort; slightly more formal.

it didn't work out

A more informal way of saying something failed to produce the desired result.

it fell short

Suggests failure to meet a specific goal or standard.

it was in vain

Highlights the lack of value or result from the effort expended.

it came to nothing

Emphasizes the complete absence of a positive outcome.

it failed to deliver

Highlights the failure to produce an expected or promised result.

it didn't pan out

An informal expression indicating that plans or expectations were not realized.

it miscarried

A more formal term suggesting a flawed process led to failure.

it was a washout

Informal, indicating a complete and utter failure.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was unsuccessful" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "it proved futile", "it fell short", or "it was in vain" depending on the specific context.

What's a more casual way to say "it was unsuccessful"?

For a more casual tone, try phrases like "it didn't work out" or "it didn't pan out".

Is "it was unsuccessful" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was unsuccessful" may be considered too plain for some academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives such as "the experiment failed to yield results".

How can I make my writing more concise when using "it was unsuccessful"?

Instead of "it was unsuccessful", consider rewriting the sentence to directly state the negative outcome. For example, instead of "The attempt to climb the mountain was unsuccessful", you could say "The climbers failed to reach the summit".