unsuccess
Very lowFormal, somewhat archaic or literary
Definition
Meaning
A lack of success; failure.
The state or outcome of not achieving a desired aim, goal, or result. It can refer to the general condition of failure or a specific instance of it.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word is rarely used in modern English, having been almost entirely supplanted by the noun 'failure' or the phrase 'lack of success'. It carries a slightly abstract and formal tone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Formal, dated, possibly perceived as a deliberate stylistic choice in very formal or literary writing.
Frequency
Extremely low in both. 'Failure' is the overwhelmingly standard term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of [something]N in [doing something]N with [something]N resulted from [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Would likely appear only in formal reports or historical contexts (e.g., 'the venture's commercial unsuccess').
Academic
Could appear in formal, literary, or historical analyses, but 'failure' is preferred.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not applicable in most technical fields.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He was sad about his unsuccess in the game.
- Despite their hard work, the project ended in unsuccess.
- The diplomatic mission met with complete unsuccess, leading to heightened tensions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
UN + SUCCESS: The 'UN-' prefix means 'not', so it's literally the state of NOT having success.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAILURE IS AN UNDESIRED OUTCOME / FAILURE IS A DESTINATION (e.g., 'doomed to unsuccess').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "неуспех". While a direct cognate, Russian uses "неуспех" more naturally. In English, this word sounds unnatural and stilted; "failure" is almost always correct.
- Avoid direct translation from Russian phrases using "неуспех". Use 'failure' or 'lack of success'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'unsuccess' instead of the standard 'failure' in speech or writing, which will sound odd to native speakers.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to unsuccess'). The correct verb is 'to fail' or 'to be unsuccessful'.
- Misspelling as 'unsuccessful' (which is an adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural synonym for 'unsuccess' in modern English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and formal. The common word is 'failure'.
It is not recommended, as it will sound unnatural and overly formal. Use 'failure' or 'lack of success' instead.
Yes, in meaning, but grammatically 'success' is the standard noun. The more natural opposite-pair is 'success and failure'.
The adjective is 'unsuccessful'. The noun 'unsuccess' itself is not used as an adjective.