erfolglos
Translation
unsuccessful, fruitless, in vain
Examples
Sein Versuch war leider erfolglos.
His attempt was unfortunately unsuccessful.
Er suchte erfolglos nach seinen Schlüsseln.
He searched for his keys in vain.
Die Verhandlungen blieben erfolglos.
The negotiations remained unsuccessful.
Grammar Patterns
to be unsuccessful Sein Versuch war erfolglos.
to remain unsuccessful Die Suche blieb erfolglos.
Similar Words
Synonyms: vergeblich (in vain), umsonst (for nothing); Antonyms: erfolgreich (successful), siegreich (victorious)
Etymology
Composed of 'Erfolg' (success) + the suffix '-los' (-less). Literally 'success-less'.
Memory Tips
This word is very transparent. If you know 'Erfolg' means success, adding '-los' (-less) makes the meaning 'unsuccessful' clear.