failed / unsuccessful
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failed / unsuccessful
Not successful; failed. Describes an action, attempt, or undertaking that did not achieve the desired result.
Sein Versuch, den Kuchen zu backen, ist leider völlig missglückt.
His attempt to bake the cake unfortunately failed completely.
The word is made up of the prefix 'miss-' and the participle of 'glücken' (to succeed). The prefix 'miss-' always expresses something negative or wrong, so 'missglückt' literally means 'wrongly succeeded,' that is, 'failed.'
Der missglückte Fluchtversuch endete im Gefängnis.
The failed escape attempt ended in prison.
'Missglückt' is the past participle of the verb 'missglücken' (to fail). This verb always forms compound tenses with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state.
Die Überraschung für seine Frau ist ihm leider total missglückt.
The surprise for his wife unfortunately failed completely.
The adjective 'missglückt' (failed / unsuccessful) often describes the result of plans or actions. Common combinations are: 'ein missglückter Versuch' (a failed attempt), 'ein missglückter Plan' (a failed plan), 'ein missglücktes Experiment' (a failed experiment), or 'eine missglückte Überraschung' (a failed surprise).
Nach dem missglückten Manöver musste der Pilot notlanden.
After the failed maneuver, the pilot had to make an emergency landing.
successful
'erfolgreich' and 'missglückt' are opposites when talking about an attempt or a plan. 'erfolgreich' says that the desired goal was achieved. 'missglückt' says that something did not succeed and turned out differently than planned. 'missglückt' fits especially well with concrete attempts, plans, or actions. 'erfolgreich' sounds more general and can also describe people, projects, or entire years.
Der erste Versuch, den Schrank aufzubauen, ist völlig missglückt.
The first attempt to assemble the cabinet failed completely.
Nach vielen Bewerbungen war Anna mit ihrer Jobsuche erfolgreich.
After many job applications, Anna was successful in her job search.