What is unsuccessful? Pronunciation and usage in English

unsuccessful means . Learn how to pronounce and use unsuccessful through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of unsuccessful

unsuccessfuladjective

/ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsf(ʊ)l/
Definition & pronunciation of unsuccessful

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "unsuccessful." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown and how to say it:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • un - (like the beginning of "under")
  • suc - (like "sock")
  • cess - (like "mess")
  • ful - (like "full")

2. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

This is the most precise way to represent the sound:

/ʌnˈsʌk.sɛs.fəl/

Let's break down the IPA symbols:

  • /ʌ/: This is the "uh" sound, as in "but" or "sun."
  • /ˈ/: This indicates the primary stress falls on the second syllable ("suc").
  • /sʌk/: Pronounced as "sock."
  • /sɛs/: Pronounced as "sess" (like "dress" without the 'r')
  • /fəl/: Pronounced as "ful" (as in "full").

3. A Guide to Saying it:

  1. "Un": Say "un" like the beginning of "under."
  2. "Suc": Say "sock."
  3. "cess": Say "sess" (like "dress" without the "r").
  4. "ful": Say "ful" as in "full."

Putting it all together, it sounds like:

“uhn-SOCK-sess-ful”

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: Make sure you emphasize the second syllable ("suc"). It’s the strongest part of the word.
  • Smooth Transition: Try to link the syllables together smoothly. Don't pronounce them as separate, distinct sounds.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word unsuccessful in English

Let's break down how to use the word "unsuccessful" effectively in English. It's a pretty common word, but understanding its nuances will help you use it correctly and naturally.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Unsuccessful" means not successful. It describes something that didn't achieve its desired outcome or goal.

2. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here are examples demonstrating different ways to incorporate "unsuccessful" into sentences:

  • Describing a Task/Attempt: "The attempt to climb the mountain was unsuccessful due to bad weather." (The climb didn't work.)
  • Describing a Person: "Despite his hard work, his application for the job was unsuccessful." (He tried, but he didn't get the job.)
  • Describing an Event: "The fundraising event was unsuccessful; they didn't reach their target amount." (The event didn’t achieve its goal.)
  • Describing a Plan: "Our plan to launch the product on time was unsuccessful because of delays in manufacturing." (The plan didn’t go as expected.)
  • Describing a Relationship (used carefully): “Their first date was unsuccessful.” (It didn't lead to anything more.) Note: this can sometimes sound harsh, consider alternatives like "didn't go well."

3. Grammatical Considerations:

  • Adjective: "Unsuccessful" is an adjective, meaning it describes a noun. You'll typically use it before the noun it modifies.
    • Example: "The unsuccessful candidate."
  • Can be followed by "attempt" or "effort": “The rescue attempt was unsuccessful." “His efforts to learn the language were unsuccessful.”

4. Synonyms (Words with Similar Meanings):

Using synonyms can make your writing or speech more varied and interesting. Here are some options:

  • Failed: This is the most direct synonym.
  • Unproductive: (Focuses on not achieving results)
  • Fruitless: (Suggests a lot of effort with no outcome)
  • Without success: (More formal phrasing)
  • Disastrous: (If the outcome was very bad)
  • Let down: (More informal, implying disappointment)

5. Examples in Context (Showing different tones):

  • Formal: “The negotiations proved to be unsuccessful in resolving the dispute.”
  • Informal: “My attempt to bake a cake was completely unsuccessful – it was a disaster!”
  • Neutral: "The company's strategy for entering the new market was unsuccessful."

6. Avoiding Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overuse it: While it's a useful word, constantly saying things were "unsuccessful" can become repetitive. Try to provide more detail about why it was unsuccessful.
  • Be specific: Instead of just saying “it was unsuccessful”, explain what didn't work. For example: “The marketing campaign failed to generate enough leads.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing/speaking are you using “unsuccessful” in? (e.g., academic essay, casual conversation, business report?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re trying to create where you want to use “unsuccessful”?

Synonyms for the word unsuccessful

Practice with vocabulary unsuccessful

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite their rigorous preparation, the team's bid for the contract was ultimately __________ due to intense competition.
  2. Her attempts to secure advanced funding for the startup proved __________ after several investors withdrew their offers.
  3. The proposed budget changes faced __________ opposition from several key stakeholders, leading to a standstill.
  4. The experimental drug showed __________ results during the initial trials, failing to meet the minimum efficacy targets.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following terms could describe a marketing campaign that failed to generate expected leads? A) prosperous B) fruitful C) ineffective D) thriving E) abortive

  2. After numerous revisions, the project proposal remained __________ in convincing the board of its viability. A) productive B) profitable C) triumphant D) unsuccessful E) valuable

  3. The initial rollout of the new software was met with significant user complaints, rendering the launch largely __________. A) commendable B) successful C) satisfactory D) flawed E) problematic

  4. Due to the sudden market downturn, the company's expansion plans were deemed __________. A) accomplished B) viable C) unfeasible D) feasible E) impracticable

  5. The research team found the data to be __________ for drawing definitive conclusions, necessitating further studies. A) comprehensive B) adequate C) insufficient D) ample E) sparse

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their efforts to reach a consensus on the new policy did not succeed. (Rewrite using a form of "unsuccessful")
  2. The experimental vaccine failed to produce the desired immune response. (Rewrite using "unsuccessful" or a related word form)
  3. The negotiations for the merger came to a halt because the parties could not agree on key terms. (Rewrite without using "unsuccessful" or any of its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. unsuccessful
  2. unsuccessful
  3. substantial
  4. unsatisfactory

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) ineffective, E) abortive
  2. D) unsuccessful
  3. D) flawed, E) problematic
  4. C) unfeasible, E) impracticable
  5. C) insufficient, E) sparse

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their efforts to reach a consensus on the new policy were unsuccessful.
  2. The experimental vaccine unsuccessfully produced the desired immune response. (Alternatively: The experimental vaccine was unsuccessful in producing the desired immune response.)
  3. The negotiations for the merger stalled because the parties could not agree on key terms. (Alternatively: The negotiations for the merger faltered because the parties could not agree on key terms.)

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