searched unsuccessfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "searched unsuccessfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an attempt to find something that did not yield any results. Example: "After hours of searching unsuccessfully for my lost keys, I finally decided to retrace my steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

When he left the counter one was missing & he was searched, unsuccessfully.

The New Yorker

But he, too, had searched unsuccessfully for affordable spaces, and he concluded, "The only way to go is down".

The New York Times - Magazine

In the summer of 1977, after his sophomore year, he returned to New York and searched, unsuccessfully, for a job.

The New Yorker

He first searched, unsuccessfully, for remains of early man in the Jehol region of northern China and in Thailand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He searched unsuccessfully for a political creed and studied every shade of opinion without giving his allegiance to any.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two police divers searched unsuccessfully on Tuesday for a missing engine of the US Airways jet that crash-landed in the Hudson River on Thursday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

After searching unsuccessfully for Ms. Bowers, the family had her declared legally dead in 2004.

The New York Times

He decided to "create a Ritz-Carlton brand for dogs" after searching unsuccessfully for upscale lodging for his bichon frisé.

The New York Times

But after searching unsuccessfully since January for a job, Mrs. Salinas, 37, said her priorities had shifted.

The New York Times

For three decades, allergy specialists have been searching unsuccessfully for evidence that IBS is the consequence of a food allergy.

The Guardian

As we continue to experience bouts of volatility in the market, investors will keep searching (unsuccessfully) for the "silver bullet" for hedging tail risk in the financial markets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "searched unsuccessfully", ensure the context clearly establishes what was being searched for and why the lack of success is relevant to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "searched extensively unsuccessfully" as "unsuccessfully" already implies a thorough but failed search. Keep the description concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "searched unsuccessfully" typically functions as a verb phrase modifier, indicating the manner in which an action (searching) was performed. Ludwig shows that it adds information about the outcome of the verb.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "searched unsuccessfully" is a grammatically sound way to describe a failed search, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a verb phrase modifier, used to convey that effort was expended without achieving the desired outcome. Common contexts include news reporting and encyclopedia entries, indicating a neutral register. Ludwig's analysis shows that while synonymous alternatives such as "looked without success" exist, "searched unsuccessfully" is a direct and effective way to communicate a lack of success in finding something. It's best practice to ensure the context makes clear what was being searched for. Avoid unnecessary descriptors that create redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looked without success

Replaces "searched" with a more general term "looked" and uses "without success" to convey the failed outcome.

sought in vain

Emphasizes the futility of the search by using "in vain".

made a fruitless search

This alternative directly describes the search as unproductive.

tried to find but failed

Breaks down the action into its components: "tried to find" and "failed", making it more explicit.

hunted unsuccessfully

Implies a more extensive and active search than "searched".

explored without result

Uses "explored" to suggest a broader investigation and "without result" to indicate the lack of success.

quested unsuccessfully

Emphasizes the ambitious or important nature of the search

scrutinized unsuccessfully

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the search

combed through without finding

Emphasizes the depth of a specific search

investigated without resolution

Suggests a formal and systemic approach that resulted in no result.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "searched unsuccessfully" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "sought in vain" or "conducted a fruitless search" as alternatives to "searched unsuccessfully".

What are some common synonyms for "searched unsuccessfully"?

Common synonyms include "looked without success", "tried to find but failed", and "hunted unsuccessfully", each varying slightly in nuance.

How to use "searched unsuccessfully" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate a failed attempt to locate something, such as: "The police "searched unsuccessfully" for the missing evidence" or "He "searched unsuccessfully" for a job after graduating".

Is it redundant to say "searched extensively unsuccessfully"?

Yes, it is generally redundant. The term "unsuccessfully" already implies that the search, regardless of how thorough, did not yield the desired result. Using "searched extensively" or another intensifier isn't wrong, but it adds little value.