Unsuccessful In: Standard Pattern
Unsuccessful In: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Use “unsuccessful in” before an activity or -ing form when saying that an attempt did not achieve its aim.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| attempt failed in an activity | unsuccessful in + noun/-ing | Use “in” before the activity or gerund. |
| failed attempt is already understood | unsuccessful | The adjective may stand alone. |
| another relation is intended | check context | Do not treat “in” as an exclusive complement in every sentence. |
Quick tests
Activity test
Are you naming the activity or process in which the attempt failed?
If yes: Use “unsuccessful in + noun/-ing.”
If no: If context already identifies the failed attempt, the adjective can stand without this complement.
Caveat: The reviewed evidence establishes the “in” construction without claiming it is the only possible use.
Examples
They were unsuccessful in finding a replacement.
The -ing clause names the activity in which the attempt failed.
She was unsuccessful in her application.
The noun phrase identifies the relevant activity or process.
The first attempt was unsuccessful.
The adjective can stand alone when context supplies the target.
Further guidance
Construction
Use “unsuccessful in” before an activity or -ing form when saying that an attempt did not achieve its aim.
Style Boundary
The adjective can also appear without this complement; this page records the directly evidenced “in” construction rather than an exclusive rule.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- UNSUCCESSFUL | English meaning — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct Cambridge dictionary evidence for “unsuccessful in” followed by an activity, including an -ing complement.