German Conversation · Level 103
56 words
German word
erfolglos
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈfɔlkloːs/
Meaning
- adjectiveunsuccessful
Example
Er machte einen erfolgslosen Versuch.
He made an unsuccessful attempt.
More examples
Das Team blieb trotz Bemühungen erfolglos.
The team remained unsuccessful despite its efforts.
Core concept
A carefully prepared attempt produces nothing that moves the goal forward.
Common phrases
ein erfolgloses Projekt
an unsuccessful project
ein erfolgloser Versuch
an unsuccessful attempt
Similar words
misslungen: An attempt or event does not succeed as intended.
unerfolgreich: The desired outcome or targeted success remains unattained.
gescheitert: Progress stops before the intended objective is accomplished.
vergeblich: The effort proves pointless because it achieves nothing.
Definition in German
eine Handlung oder ein Versuch, der keinen Erfolg gebracht hat
Word origin
Erfolglos is formed from the noun Erfolg and the suffix -los, which marks the absence of the quality named by the noun.
Usage tips
- Erfolglos commonly describes attempts, searches, negotiations, or projects, while vergeblich more specifically emphasizes a futile effort.
Other meanings
- fruitlessadjective
- unproductiveadjective
Opposites
- erfolgreichsuccessfuladjective
Related words
- Erfolgslosigkeitlack of successnoun