Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
unfortunately without success
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "unfortunately without success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disappointment about an attempt that did not yield the desired outcome. Example: "I tried to fix the issue on my own, but unfortunately without success."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Aidan O'Leary, head of UN operations in Kabul, said: "People have been working furiously throughout yesterday afternoon to try and undertake rescue efforts but unfortunately without success".
News & Media
The following transcription, from 1958, is from Milton Friedman's A Monetary History of the United States 1867-1960: SenatO'Mahoneyney: "What I have been trying to find out, unfortunately without success, all day long is: What is the yardstick by which you measure the amount of money that ought to be created".
News & Media
Strategies to decrease obesity have been orientated towards a reduction in EI, unfortunately without success [ 2].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Ball went on to play in more than 40 major championships, including several Opens, 20 US Opens, 18 PGA Championships and a second Masters as late as 1957, all unfortunately without the success his early promise had suggested.
News & Media
Due to severe symptoms interfering with normal masticatory function, systemic high dose dexamethasone (100 mg on three consecutive days every 4 weeks) was administered three times, unfortunately without any success.
Science
-- without success.
News & Media
He isn't without success.
News & Media
Stunned, the owners appealed but without success.
Encyclopedias
"Without success, you cannot keep producing".
News & Media
They tried to blend in, without success.
News & Media
Unfortunately, the success of the Corinth camp proved short-lived.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "unfortunately without success" to clearly express disappointment when an attempt to achieve a goal has failed. It adds a layer of regret to the statement.
Common error
While "unfortunately without success" is grammatically correct, avoid using too many adverbs in a single sentence. Over-reliance on adverbs can make your writing sound clunky. Consider stronger verbs or more concise phrasing for better impact.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "unfortunately without success" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner in which an action was carried out. It highlights the lack of a positive outcome and adds a sense of regret or disappointment. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "unfortunately without success" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, typically used to convey disappointment when an attempt fails to achieve the intended outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates both the lack of a positive result and a sense of regret. While it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, it's crucial to avoid overusing adverbs and consider more concise phrasing for clarity. Alternatives such as "regrettably unsuccessful" or "to no avail" offer similar meanings. Overall, the phrase serves as a clear and direct way to express a disappointing lack of achievement.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
regrettably unsuccessful
This alternative is a more concise way to convey the lack of success with a sense of regret.
sadly failed
This option directly states the failure with an added layer of sadness or disappointment.
unsuccessfully
A single-word adverb that directly expresses the lack of success in an action.
to no avail
This idiomatic expression indicates that efforts were made but did not achieve the desired result.
without a positive outcome
This phrase emphasizes the absence of a favorable result.
fruitlessly
This adverb implies that the effort was unproductive and did not yield any positive results.
abortively
This emphasizes a failed attempt before completion.
in vain
Similar to "to no avail", this idiom indicates that efforts were futile.
unrewardingly
This implies that the effort was not worth the outcome.
dejectedly without triumph
Describes a lack of victory combined with a sense of low spirits
FAQs
What does "unfortunately without success" mean?
It means that an attempt was made, but it did not achieve the desired outcome, and there is a sense of disappointment associated with it.
How can I use "unfortunately without success" in a sentence?
Example: "We tried to resolve the issue, "unfortunately without success"."
Are there alternatives to saying "unfortunately without success"?
Yes, you can use phrases like "regrettably unsuccessful", "sadly failed", or "to no avail" to express a similar meaning.
Is it grammatically correct to say "unfortunately without success"?
Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express disappointment when an effort does not yield the desired result, as noted by Ludwig AI.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested