unsuccessful
Fell short badly
Unsuccessful means failing to achieve a desired outcome or result.
An unsuccessful attempt doesn't accomplish its goal.
An unsuccessful candidate loses the election or doesn't get the job.
The word often softens what might otherwise be called failure: The surgery was unsuccessful sounds gentler than saying it failed.
Did not succeed
- flopComplete commercial failure
- fiascoHumiliating public failure
- debacleSudden, complete failure
- botchedPoorly executed, spoiled
bust · dud · washout · nonstarter · misfire · blunder · collapse · wreck
Poor at using resources
- impotentLacking power or efficacy
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- incompetentLacking necessary skill
- ineptLacking skill or competence
incapable · powerless · useless · worthless · toothless · inefficacious · unworkable · feeble
Prevented from succeeding
- foiledPrevented from succeeding
- blockedPassage prevented or impeded
- hinderedSlowed or obstructed
- impededObstructed or slowed
stymied · frustrated · derailed · stalled · obstructed · checked · halted · rebuffed
Failing to profit
- unviableIncapable of succeeding
- unremunerativeProducing no financial return
- nonviableIncapable of succeeding
- unsustainableCannot be maintained indefinitely
insolvent · bankrupt · underwater · indebted · uneconomical · unrewarding · underperforming · failing
Defeated completely
- beatenHaving lost a contest
- conqueredDefeated and took control
- overpoweredExcessively dominant or conquered
- subduedReduced in intensity
outplayed · outmaneuvered · routed · outclassed · trounced · crushed · bested · losing
Failing to satisfy expectations
- dismayingCausing loss of confidence
- dishearteningCausing loss of hope
- discouragingCausing loss of confidence
- underwhelmingFailing to meet expectations
letdown · anticlimactic · unsatisfying · unfulfilling · deflating · dispiriting · demoralizing · frustrating
Lost confidence or hope
- dejectedLow in spirits
- crestfallenSad from disappointment
- downcastSad or despondent
- discouragedHaving lost confidence or enthusiasm
dismayed · despondent · unfulfilled · dissatisfied · dispirited · demoralized · disillusioned · heartbroken
failed
Did not succeed
botched · bust · dud · washout · nonstarter · misfire · blunder · collapse · wreck · misadventure
inefficient
Poor at using resources
- impotentLacking power or efficacy
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- incompetentLacking necessary skill
inept · incapable · powerless · useless · worthless · toothless · inefficacious · unworkable · feeble · weak
thwarted
Prevented from succeeding
impeded · stymied · frustrated · derailed · stalled · obstructed · checked · halted · rebuffed · rejected
loss-making
Failing to profit
- unviableIncapable of succeeding
- unremunerativeProducing no financial return
- nonviableIncapable of succeeding
unsustainable · insolvent · bankrupt · underwater · indebted · uneconomical · unrewarding · underperforming · failing · broke
vanquished
Defeated completely
- beatenHaving lost a contest
- conqueredDefeated and took control
- overpoweredExcessively dominant or conquered
subdued · outplayed · outmaneuvered · routed · outclassed · trounced · crushed · bested · losing · winless
disappointing
Failing to satisfy expectations
- dismayingCausing loss of confidence
- dishearteningCausing loss of hope
- discouragingCausing loss of confidence
underwhelming · letdown · anticlimactic · unsatisfying · unfulfilling · deflating · dispiriting · demoralizing · frustrating · dismal
disheartened
Lost confidence or hope
- dejectedLow in spirits
- crestfallenSad from disappointment
- downcastSad or despondent
discouraged · dismayed · despondent · unfulfilled · dissatisfied · dispirited · demoralized · disillusioned · heartbroken · regretful
- losersloser, failure, runner-up, flop, beaten
- futilefutile, useless, pointless, fruitless, vain
- shortcomingsdeficient, inadequate, lacking, inferior, subpar
- achievementaccomplished, accomplishing, achieved, achievement, accomplishment
- outcomesoutcome, win, effect, impact, result
- ratingsA rating, rating, one star, five stars, rating scale
unsuccessfulsuccessful
Having achieved one's aims
triumphant · victorious · winning · accomplished · achieving
unsuccessfulsuccessful
Having achieved one's aims
prosperous · flourishing · thriving · fortunate · lucky
unsuccessfulsuccessful
Having achieved one's aims
effective · efficacious · productive · fruitful · effectual