not succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

'not succeed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that something has not been accomplished or achieved. Example sentence: Despite his best efforts, he did not succeed in getting the job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They may not succeed.

The Economist

(He did not succeed).

The New Yorker

He does not succeed.

The New York Times

Others will not succeed.

The New York Times

I, however, did not succeed.

The New York Times

He did not succeed, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meyer did not succeed Tressel.

The New York Times

Mead, however did not succeed.

The New Yorker

I may not succeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

She did not succeed.

The New York Times

It did not succeed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not succeed", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is failing to achieve. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not succeed" without a clear object or context. Without a defined goal, the statement becomes vague and loses its impact. Always specify what the subject is failing to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "not succeed" is to negate the verb "succeed", indicating the absence of achievement or a failure to reach a desired outcome. This is supported by Ludwig's examples that show it being used in various contexts to express a lack of success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not succeed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a lack of achievement or failure to reach a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. This phrase is commonly found in news media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "fail to achieve" or "be unsuccessful" exist, "not succeed" provides a clear and direct way to convey that an effort did not produce the intended result. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what the subject is failing to achieve to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to achieve

Replaces "succeed" with its direct antonym "fail" and adds "to achieve" for clarity.

be unsuccessful

Uses the adjective form of "success" with the negative prefix "un-" and the verb "be".

not accomplish

Substitutes "succeed" with "accomplish", maintaining a similar level of formality.

fall short

Uses a more idiomatic expression indicating a failure to reach a required standard.

come to naught

Employs a more literary and emphatic way of saying something was unsuccessful.

prove abortive

Uses the adjective "abortive" to describe a failed attempt, implying a premature end.

miss the mark

This idiom suggests failing to achieve the intended goal or target.

be in vain

Indicates that efforts were futile and did not produce the desired result.

not work out

Offers a more informal way of saying something did not go as planned or expected.

be defeated

Suggests a more forceful failure, implying opposition or resistance.

FAQs

How do I use "not succeed" in a sentence?

Use "not succeed" to indicate a failure to achieve a specific goal or outcome. For instance, "Despite his hard work, he did "not succeed" in winning the competition."

What are some alternatives to "not succeed"?

Alternatives include "fail to achieve", "be unsuccessful", or "not accomplish", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is it better to say "did not succeed" or "failed"?

Both "did not succeed" and "failed" are grammatically correct, but "failed" is often more concise. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. "Did not succeed" can sometimes soften the directness of "failed".

What's the difference between "not succeed" and "not successful"?

"Not succeed" refers to a specific instance of failure to achieve something, while "not successful" describes a general state or condition. For example, "He did "not succeed" in his first attempt, but he was ultimately "not successful" in convincing the board."