What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
failed
Example
I failed my driving test for the third time. [failed: past tense]
Example
The company's new product launch failed to generate enough sales. [failed: verb]
unsuccessful
Example
The team was unsuccessful in winning the championship game. [unsuccessful: adjective]
Example
The company's attempt to expand into international markets was unsuccessful. [unsuccessful: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Failed is more commonly used than unsuccessful in everyday language, especially in the context of describing a specific instance or event that did not succeed. However, unsuccessful is still a common word that can be used in various situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between failed and unsuccessful?
Both failed and unsuccessful can be used in formal and informal contexts, but failed may be perceived as slightly more informal or casual than unsuccessful, which can be used in a more neutral or objective way.
