(a) Not having succeeded in an errand or effort. (b) Not accomplished or discharged; not brought to a successful result or issue.

Having failed to obtain or achieve what was wanted; without any reward or spoil. Chiefly in predicative use.

Without anything to carry. Having failed to obtain or achieve what was wanted; without getting a result or reward. Cf. empty-handed, adj. 2…

Of persons: Meeting with no success.

Not attended by, not meeting or attaining, success. Of persons.

(un-, prefix1 affix 4.)

Of persons: Not attaining one's object; unsuccessful.

Ineffective, miscarried. Also of a person: consistently unsuccessful. Now rare.