不成功(ふせいこう)

ふせいこう
noun, na-adjective
failure, lack of success, unsuccessful
formalabstract
1. failure, lack of success, being unsuccessful
The state of not achieving the desired result or goal. A formal, somewhat literary word used to describe unsuccessful attempts, ventures, or outcomes.
実験(じっけん)は不成功(ふせいこう)に終(お)わった。
The experiment ended in failure.
交渉(こうしょう)は不成功(ふせいこう)だったが、次(つぎ)の機会(きかい)を待(ま)つ。
The negotiations were unsuccessful, but we'll wait for the next opportunity.
何度(なんど)も不成功(ふせいこう)を経験(けいけん)したが、あきらめずに挑戦(ちょうせん)し続(つづ)けた。
He experienced failure many times, but kept trying without giving up.

A formal word formed with the prefix 不(ふ) (non-, un-) + 成功(せいこう) (success). More literary and stiff than simply saying 失敗(しっぱい). Often appears in written reports, academic writing, and formal assessments.

The common set phrase is 不成功(ふせいこう)に終(お)わる (to end in failure).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 失敗(しっぱい): failure — the most common, everyday word for failure; can refer to both the act of failing and the resulting state
  • 不成立(ふせいりつ): failure to materialize — used when something (a deal, agreement, meeting) fails to come together
  • 未成功(みせいこう): not yet successful — implies the possibility of future success

Related Words

Compare: 失敗(しっぱい) (failure)
general
Added 2026.3.31 4:08 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
20500/20869_fuseikou