unsuccessfully

UK: ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfəli | US: ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfəli

Definition

  1. adv. in a manner that does not achieve the desired outcome

  2. adv. without success or favorable results

Structure
un <not>success <achievement>fully <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "unsuccessfully" is built from three clear morphemes:

  1. "Un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," negates the root.
  2. "Success" (Latin "successus," from "succedere" <to come after, prosper>), retains its core meaning of achievement.
  3. "-fully" (Old English "-fullīce"), an adverbial suffix meaning "in a manner of."
    The word logically evolved from the concept of "not achieving prosperity" to its modern sense of failing to accomplish a goal.
Examples

  1. He tried unsuccessfully to repair the broken engine.

  2. The team campaigned unsuccessfully for the new policy.

  3. She applied for the job but was unsuccessfully considered.

  4. The medicine worked unsuccessfully against the virus.

  5. They negotiated unsuccessfully for hours without reaching an agreement.