prove unsuccessful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prove unsuccessful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing attempts or efforts that did not achieve the desired outcome. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team's attempts to secure funding proved unsuccessful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

This rule applies to Empire, where any hunt for an artful subtext will likely prove unsuccessful.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Getting in behind Mr Ghai's constitutional review may, in the end, prove unsuccessful.

The Economist

In December the ATSB identified the next 25,000 sq km area of "highest probability", should the search prove unsuccessful.

The Guardian

However, even the appeal may prove unsuccessful, much like the appeal in a California suit trying to hold Twitter liable for providing "material support" to ISIS terrorists.

Harvard University

Although his interest in a Northwest Passage had been aroused, Hudson agreed to return directly to Holland if his northeast voyage should prove unsuccessful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Should that effort prove unsuccessful, another adventurer, Robert Hyman, intends to lead a team in August on a similar volunteer search.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Here too Hempel's program proved unsuccessful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A search for Tiara proved unsuccessful.

The New York Times

Sadly his cross-code foray proved unsuccessful.

The Guardian - Sport

So far, their efforts have proved unsuccessful.

The Guardian - Opinion

So far they have proven unsuccessful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prove unsuccessful", ensure the subject is an attempt, effort, or strategy, so its lack of success is logical.

Common error

Avoid using "prove unsuccessful" with subjects that are not actions or attempts. For example, instead of saying "The idea proved unsuccessful", specify "The attempt to implement the idea proved unsuccessful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove unsuccessful" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the result of an action or effort, indicating that it did not achieve its intended goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prove unsuccessful" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that communicates the failure of an action or attempt. According to Ludwig, it is a valid and usable expression. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it's applied to subjects that logically represent attempts or efforts. Alternatives include "turn out to be a failure" or "end in futility". Remember to avoid using it with subjects that are not actionable to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not achieve success

Directly states the absence of success.

turn out to be a failure

Emphasizes the result or outcome as a failure.

prove fruitless

Indicates a lack of any positive results or benefits.

end in futility

Highlights the uselessness and lack of result.

come to naught

Implies a complete lack of success or value.

be in vain

Expresses the worthlessness of the effort.

be without result

Focuses on the lack of any positive outcome.

fail to deliver

Highlights the inability to meet expectations.

be unavailing

Emphasizes the lack of effectiveness, often despite effort.

fall flat

Suggests a lack of impact or effectiveness.

FAQs

What does "prove unsuccessful" mean?

The phrase "prove unsuccessful" means that something has demonstrated its failure to achieve the desired result or outcome.

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

You can use it to describe an effort, attempt, or strategy that did not work out as planned. For example: "Their efforts to negotiate a peace treaty "proved unsuccessful"."

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "prove unsuccessful"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "turned out to be a failure", "ended in futility", or "came to naught" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "prove unsuccessful"?

Yes, "prove unsuccessful" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.