What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inefficacious
Example
The new drug proved to be inefficacious in treating the disease. [inefficacious: adjective]
Example
The company's marketing campaign was inefficacious in increasing sales. [inefficacious: adjective]
unsuccessful
Example
The team's attempt to win the championship was unsuccessful. [unsuccessful: adjective]
Example
Despite her hard work, she was unsuccessful in securing the job. [unsuccessful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsuccessful is more commonly used than inefficacious in everyday language. Unsuccessful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inefficacious is less common and has a more technical connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inefficacious and unsuccessful?
Inefficacious is more formal than unsuccessful. It is often used in technical or scientific contexts, while unsuccessful can be used in both formal and informal contexts.