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실패적이다

A2 adjective #5,000 most common 9 min read

실패적이다

silpaejeogida Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 실패적이다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 실패적이다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic Korean. The word '실패적이다' might be a bit long, but you can understand it by looking at its parts. '실패' (sil-pae) means 'failure' or 'not winning'. '이다' (i-da) means 'to be'. So, '실패적이다' means 'something is a failure'. At this level, you should focus on simple sentences like 'The plan was a failure' (계획이 실패적이었어요). You don't need to worry about the complex '-적' suffix rules yet. Just remember that this word is used to describe a thing or a result that didn't go well. It is like saying 'No good' or 'Bad result' in a slightly more formal way. You will mostly hear it when people talk about games, tests, or simple tasks that didn't work out. Try to remember it alongside its opposite, '성공적이다' (successful), which you might hear more often in positive stories.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use '실패적이다' to describe results more accurately. You should know that this is an adjective, not a verb. This means you use it to describe a noun. For example, 'a failed attempt' is '실패적인 시도'. Notice how '이다' changes to '인' to describe the noun. You can use this word when talking about your hobbies, like if you tried to cook a new dish but it didn't taste good, you could say '요리가 실패적이었어요' (The cooking was a failure). You are also learning how to conjugate verbs and adjectives into the past tense (-었다) and polite endings (-어요). Using '실패적이었어요' is a great way to show you can describe past events. You should also start noticing this word in simple news clips or movie reviews where a critic says a movie didn't do well. It's a step up from using very simple words like '나빠요' (it's bad).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '실패적이다' in both spoken and written Korean. You understand that the '-적' suffix turns a noun into an attribute, and you can apply this to other Hanja-based words. You can now use this word to provide more detailed evaluations. Instead of just saying something failed, you might explain *why* it was '실패적'. For example, 'Because of the high price, the sales were failure-like' (가격이 비싸서 판매가 실패적이었어요). You can also use it with adverbs of degree like '상당히' (considerably) or '완전히' (completely) to add nuance to your descriptions. At this level, you are moving beyond personal experiences and starting to discuss social issues or business topics, where '실패적이다' is very common. You should also be able to distinguish between '실패적이다' and the more casual '망하다', knowing that '실패적이다' is better for school reports or talking to a boss.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '실패적이다'. You recognize that it often implies an objective evaluation rather than just a personal feeling. You can use it in complex sentences using connectors like '-음에도 불구하고' (despite) or '-기 때문에' (because). For instance, 'Despite our efforts, the result was failure-like' (노력에도 불구하고 결과는 실패적이었다). You can also use the noun-modifying form '실패적인' in sophisticated ways to discuss abstract concepts like 'failed policies' (실패적인 정책) or 'unsuccessful strategies' (실패적인 전략). You should be aware of the social context—using this word about a person's life can be seen as very judgmental or cold. In a business context, you understand that this word is part of a professional vocabulary used to analyze performance. You can compare it with other terms like '불발' (misfire/cancellation) and know when to use each based on whether the event happened or not.

At the C1 level, your use of '실패적이다' should be precise and context-aware. You can use it in academic writing or professional presentations to critically analyze outcomes. You understand the subtle difference between '실패적이다' (the result was a failure) and '실패로 돌아가다' (it ended in failure), using the latter for more narrative or dramatic effect. You can also handle the passive and quoted forms of the word, such as '실패적이라고 평가받다' (to be evaluated as a failure). You are capable of discussing the philosophical implications of failure and can use '실패적이다' to describe systemic issues. For example, you might write an essay on why a certain social movement was '실패적' in achieving its primary goals but successful in raising awareness. Your vocabulary is broad enough to use '실패적이다' alongside high-level synonyms like '미흡하다' (insufficient) or '부진하다' (sluggish/poor performance) to provide a balanced critique.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the word '실패적이다' and use it with the same precision as a native speaker. You can detect the rhetorical weight of the word in political speeches or literary critiques. You understand that calling something '실패적' can be a powerful rhetorical tool to signal a definitive end or a need for radical change. You can use it in highly complex grammatical structures, such as '실패적이라기보다는 미완의 성공에 가깝다' (Rather than being a failure, it is closer to an incomplete success). You are familiar with the Hanja roots (失: lose, 敗: defeat) and how they influence related vocabulary. You can use the word to discuss historical events, economic cycles, and complex artistic theories. Your ability to use '실패적이다' extends to understanding its use in irony or sarcasm in sophisticated Korean media. You can switch between this formal term and more idiomatic expressions seamlessly, depending on the audience and the desired impact of your communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

실패적이다 in 30 Seconds

실패적이다 is an adjective meaning 'to be a failure' or 'unsuccessful,' used to evaluate outcomes and results formally.
It is composed of the noun '실패' (failure), the suffix '-적' (-ive/-al), and the copula '이다' (to be).
Commonly used in reviews, business reports, and academic analysis to describe failed plans, attempts, or policies.
Unlike the verb '실패하다,' it focuses on the quality of the result rather than the action of failing.

The Korean word 실패적이다 (silpaejeogida) is a descriptive adjective that translates primarily to "to be a failure," "to be unsuccessful," or "to be abortive." It is formed by combining the noun 실패 (silpae), meaning failure, with the suffix -적 (-jeok), which functions similarly to the English suffixes '-ic', '-al', or '-ive', turning a noun into a qualifying attribute. Finally, it is capped with the copula 이다 (ida) to function as a predicate.

Core Concept: This term is used to pass a definitive judgment on the outcome of an action, a project, or a state of affairs. Unlike the verb '실패하다' (to fail), which focuses on the act of failing, '실패적이다' focuses on the quality or nature of the result being a failure.
Nuance: It carries a slightly more formal and analytical tone than simply saying '안 됐어요' (it didn't work out). It is often used in critiques, reports, and objective evaluations of performance.

이번 영화는 흥행 면에서 상당히 실패적이다.

Translation: This movie is quite a failure in terms of box office success.

In daily life, you might hear this when discussing a failed diet, a poorly executed surprise party, or a business venture that didn't take off. It is particularly common in professional settings where results are being analyzed against set goals. For instance, if a marketing campaign fails to reach its target audience, a manager might label the campaign as '실패적'.

그의 첫 번째 사업은 실패적이었지만, 그는 포기하지 않았다.

Translation: Although his first business was a failure, he did not give up.

When using this word, it is important to distinguish between the person and the outcome. While you can say a project is '실패적이다', calling a person '실패적이다' is extremely harsh and grammatically less common than calling them a '실패자' (a failure/loser). Usually, '실패적' describes plans, attempts, experiments, and results.

Common Contexts: 1. Academic results that don't meet expectations.
2. Artistic works that receive poor reviews.
3. Political policies that fail to achieve their intended effects.
4. Personal attempts at a new hobby that don't go well.

실험 결과가 실패적이라서 다시 시작해야 해요.

Translation: Because the experiment result is a failure, we have to start over.

Understanding the gravity of this word is key. It is more clinical than '망했다' (ruined/screwed up), which is slangy and emotional. '실패적이다' sounds like a reasoned conclusion based on evidence. It is the language of an auditor, a critic, or a reflective individual looking back on a specific event.

Using 실패적이다 correctly involves understanding its conjugation as an adjective and its placement within different sentence structures. Since it ends in -이다, it follows the conjugation rules of the copula, but it functions to describe the subject.

Basic Conjugation: Present Tense: 실패적이다 (Formal/Plain), 실패적이에요 (Polite), 실패적입니다 (Formal/Polite)
Past Tense: 실패적이었다 (Plain), 실패적이었어요 (Polite)
Future Tense: 실패적일 것이다 (Plain), 실패적일 거예요 (Polite)

그 프로젝트는 초기에는 실패적이었으나 나중에 성공했다.

Translation: That project was a failure initially but succeeded later.

One of the most common ways to use this word is as a modifier for a noun. To do this, you change it to the form 실패적인 (silpaejeogin). This allows you to describe a 'failure-like' thing directly before the noun.

Noun Modification: 실패적인 시도 (A failed attempt)
실패적인 정책 (A failed policy)
실패적인 결과 (A failed result)

우리는 실패적인 결과를 피하기 위해 노력해야 합니다.

Translation: We must work hard to avoid a failed result.

When using it in conversation, you can emphasize the degree of failure by adding adverbs like 매우 (very), 상당히 (considerably), or 완전히 (completely). This helps specify whether something was just a minor setback or a total disaster.

그 계획은 시작부터 실패적이었어요.

Translation: That plan was a failure from the start.

In formal writing, such as an essay or a report, you might use the form 실패적이라고 (silpaejeogirago) when quoting someone's opinion or stating a general consensus. For example: 'Many experts evaluated the new law as a failure' (많은 전문가들이 새 법안을 실패적이라고 평가했다).

Sentence Patterns: [Subject] + [Adverb] + 실패적이다.
[Noun] + -은/는 + 실패적인 + [Noun] + 이다.

그의 연기는 실패적이라는 평이 많았습니다.

Translation: There were many reviews saying his acting was a failure.

Lastly, consider the negative form. To say something was not a failure, you would use 실패적이지 않다 (silpaejeogiji anta). This is a double negative way of saying something was relatively successful or at least acceptable.

While 실패적이다 might sound academic, it appears in various everyday and professional contexts in Korea. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize when it's appropriate to use this specific term over other synonyms for failure.

1. Media and Reviews: You will frequently encounter this word in film, music, and book reviews. Critics use it to describe a work that failed to meet artistic or commercial expectations. For example, a critic might say, 'The director's attempt at a new genre was failure-like (실패적이었다).'

이번 신제품 출시는 시장 반응이 차가워 실패적이다.

Translation: This new product launch is a failure due to the cold market reaction.

2. Business and Economics: In the corporate world, performance reviews and project post-mortems use this word. It's an objective way to state that ROI (Return on Investment) was not achieved. Phrases like '실패적인 투자' (failed investment) are common in financial news.

In documentaries or news reports discussing government policies, this word is used to critique social programs. If a housing policy fails to lower prices, a news anchor might describe the policy as '실패적'. It sounds more authoritative and less emotional than saying the policy was 'bad'.

정부의 부동산 정책은 실패적이라는 비판을 받고 있다.

Translation: The government's real estate policy is facing criticism for being a failure.

3. Academic Settings: Students and researchers use this when discussing failed experiments or hypotheses. If a scientific trial does not produce the expected data, the methodology might be labeled '실패적'.

You might also hear it in sports commentary. When a team's strategy doesn't work out during a game, a commentator might say, 'The coach's substitution was failure-like (실패적이었다).' This highlights that the specific decision led to a negative outcome for the team.

감독의 전술은 오늘 경기에서 실패적이었다.

Translation: The coach's tactics were a failure in today's game.

In summary, listen for this word in contexts where someone is analyzing 'why' something didn't work. It's the language of analysis, critique, and objective reporting. It provides a way to categorize an event as falling short of a standard or goal.

While 실패적이다 is a useful word, learners often trip up on its specific usage constraints and how it differs from similar-sounding words. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Confusing it with the Verb '실패하다': This is the most frequent error. '실패하다' is an active verb meaning 'to fail'. '실패적이다' is an adjective meaning 'to be failure-like'.
Wrong: 나는 시험에 실패적이었어요. (I was failure-like at the test.)
Right: 나는 시험에 실패했어요. (I failed the test.)
Right: 시험 결과가 실패적이었어요. (The test result was a failure.)

사람에게는 실패적이다라는 말을 잘 쓰지 않아요.

Note: We don't usually use '실패적이다' to describe people directly.

2. Overusing the '-적이다' Suffix: Learners sometimes think they can add '-적이다' to any noun to make an adjective. While common with Chinese-root nouns (Hanja), it doesn't work with native Korean words. '실패' is Hanja-based (失敗), so it works. But for '실수' (mistake), you wouldn't say '실수적이다'.

Another mistake is using it in overly casual situations where a simpler word would suffice. If you dropped your ice cream, saying '제 아이스크림이 실패적이에요' sounds bizarrely formal and clinical. In that case, '아이스크림 떨어뜨렸어요' (I dropped my ice cream) or '망했어요' (I'm doomed/it's ruined) is much more natural.

그의 인생이 실패적이라고 말하는 것은 너무 가혹하다.

Translation: It is too harsh to say his life was a failure.

3. Incorrect Particle Usage: Since it's an adjective, the subject should usually be marked with 이/가 or 은/는. Don't use object markers (을/를) with it.
Wrong: 계획을 실패적이다. (Incorrect)
Right: 계획이 실패적이다. (The plan is a failure.)

Finally, remember that '실패적이다' implies a conclusion. If something is still ongoing, using this word might be premature. It is best used for things that have reached a point where an evaluation can be made.

In Korean, there are many ways to express failure or lack of success. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality, the specific context, and the emotional weight you want to convey. Here is a comparison of 실패적이다 with its closest relatives.

실패적이다 vs. 실패하다: As mentioned, '실패하다' is the verb 'to fail'. Use it for the action. '실패적이다' is the adjective for the state or quality.
Example: '나는 사업에 실패했다' (I failed in business) vs. '내 사업은 실패적이었다' (My business was a failure).
실패적이다 vs. 망하다: '망하다' is much more casual and often carries a sense of 'being ruined' or 'going bankrupt'. It is used frequently in slang. '실패적이다' is formal and evaluative.
Example: '시험 망했어!' (I screwed up the test!) vs. '시험 결과가 실패적입니다' (The test result is unsuccessful).

그 시도는 수포로 돌아갔다.

Translation: That attempt came to nothing (went up in bubbles).

For a more idiomatic way to say something failed, you can use 수포로 돌아가다 (suporo doragada). This literally means 'to return to bubbles' and is a common way to say efforts were in vain. It's more poetic than the direct '실패적이다'.

실패적이다 vs. 불발되다: '불발되다' (bulbaldoeda) literally means to misfire (like a gun). It's used for plans or events that didn't even get off the ground or didn't happen as scheduled. '실패적이다' implies the thing happened, but the result was bad.

이번 계획은 여러모로 부족함이 많았다.

Translation: This plan had many shortcomings in many ways (a softer alternative to 'failure').

In professional settings, people often avoid the harshness of '실패적이다' by using phrases like 성과가 미흡하다 (seonggwaga miheup-hada), which means 'results were insufficient'. This sounds more constructive and less like a final, crushing judgment.

Opposite: 성공적이다: The direct antonym is '성공적이다' (to be successful). It follows the exact same grammatical patterns. If you learn how to use '실패적이다', you automatically know how to use '성공적이다'!

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-적' (-jeok) was popularized during the modernization of the Korean language to translate Western abstract adjectives. It is now one of the most common ways to form adjectives from nouns.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕil.pʰɛ.dʑʌk.i.da/

US /ɕil.pʰe.dʑʌk.i.da/

Stress is usually neutral across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis may be placed on the first syllable '실'.

Rhymes With

성공적이다 (seonggongjeogida) 효과적이다 (hyogwajeogida) 열정적이다 (yeoljeongjeogida) 긍정적이다 (geungjeongjeogida) 부정적이다 (bujeongjeogida) 충격적이다 (chunggyeokjeogida) 파격적이다 (pagyeokjeogida) 감동적이다 (gamdongjeogida)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '실' as 'sir' without the final 'l' sound.
Failing to aspirate the 'p' in '패', making it sound like '배' (bae).
Pronouncing '적' with a long vowel instead of a short one.
Linking '적' and '이' too slowly; it should flow as 'jeo-gi'.
Misplacing the stress on the 'da' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read if you know the word '실패' and the common suffix '-적'.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding how to use the adjective form vs the verb form.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation of '실패' and '적' must be distinct to be understood.

Listening 2/5

Frequently heard in news and reviews, making it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

실패 (Failure) 이다 (To be) 성공 (Success) 결과 (Result) 시도 (Attempt)

Learn Next

성공적이다 (Successful) 효과적이다 (Effective) 비극적이다 (Tragic) 현실적이다 (Realistic) 구체적이다 (Specific)

Advanced

미흡하다 (Insufficient) 부진하다 (Sluggish) 결렬되다 (To break down/negotiation) 수포로 돌아가다 (To come to nothing) 파탄 (Ruin/Bankruptcy)

Grammar to Know

The '-적' Suffix

역사 (History) -> 역사적 (Historical)

Adjective Noun-Modifying Form (-ㄴ/은)

실패적이다 -> 실패적인 결과

The Copula '이다' Conjugation

실패적이다 -> 실패적이에요, 실패적입니다

Expressing Cause with '-어서/아서'

결과가 실패적이라서 기분이 안 좋아요.

Indirect Quotation '-다고 하다'

사람들이 그 영화가 실패적이라고 해요.

Examples by Level

계획이 실패적이에요.

The plan is a failure.

Simple present polite form.

그 게임은 실패적이었어요.

That game was a failure.

Past tense polite form.

결과가 실패적입니다.

The result is a failure.

Formal polite ending.

이 요리는 실패적이에요.

This cooking is a failure.

Describing a noun (cooking) as a failure.

우리의 파티는 실패적이었어요.

Our party was a failure.

Possessive '우리의' used with the subject.

시도가 실패적입니다.

The attempt is a failure.

Formal ending for a simple statement.

그 영화는 정말 실패적이에요.

That movie is really a failure.

Adverb '정말' used for emphasis.

실패적인 결과였어요.

It was a failed result.

Noun-modifying form '실패적인'.

이번 여행은 날씨 때문에 실패적이었어요.

This trip was a failure because of the weather.

Using '때문에' to explain the reason for the failure.

그의 첫 번째 시도는 실패적이었지만 다시 했어요.

His first attempt was a failure, but he did it again.

Using '-지만' to contrast failure with a second attempt.

실패적인 계획을 바꾸고 싶어요.

I want to change the failed plan.

Noun-modifying form '실패적인' before '계획'.

너무 늦어서 그 모임은 실패적이었어요.

Because it was too late, that gathering was a failure.

Using '-어서' to show cause and effect.

연습을 안 해서 연주가 실패적이었어요.

Since I didn't practice, the performance was a failure.

Negative form '안 해서' linked to the failure.

이 방법은 조금 실패적인 것 같아요.

I think this method is a bit of a failure.

Using '-는 것 같다' to express a soft opinion.

실패적인 결과를 보고 슬펐어요.

I was sad to see the failed result.

Object phrase '실패적인 결과를'.

어제 축구 경기는 우리 팀에게 실패적이었어요.

Yesterday's soccer match was a failure for our team.

Specifying for whom it was a failure using '-에게'.

정부의 새로운 정책은 경제적으로 실패적이다.

The government's new policy is economically a failure.

Using the adverbial form '경제적으로' to specify the domain.

그 영화는 비평가들에게 실패적이라는 평가를 받았다.

The movie received evaluations from critics that it was a failure.

Indirect quotation '실패적이라는' modifying '평가'.

우리는 실패적인 시도를 통해 많은 것을 배웠다.

We learned a lot through the failed attempt.

Using 'through' (를 통해) with the failed noun.

이번 마케팅 캠페인은 상당히 실패적이었다고 생각합니다.

I think this marketing campaign was considerably a failure.

Using '상당히' (considerably) for emphasis and '-고 생각하다' for opinion.

실패적인 결과가 나오지 않도록 주의하세요.

Please be careful so that a failed result does not occur.

Using '-도록' to express purpose or goal.

그의 연기는 기술적으로는 좋았으나 감정적으로는 실패적이었다.

His acting was technically good but emotionally a failure.

Contrasting two aspects using '-으나'.

실패적인 다이어트 후에 그는 다시 운동을 시작했다.

After a failed diet, he started exercising again.

Using 'after' (후에) with the failed noun.

이 프로젝트가 실패적인 이유는 소통의 부재였다.

The reason this project was a failure was the lack of communication.

Using '이유' (reason) to explain the failure.

많은 전문가들은 그 법안이 사회적으로 실패적이라고 보고 있다.

Many experts view that bill as socially failure-prone/a failure.

Using 'view as' (라고 보다) for professional analysis.

그 기업의 해외 진출은 전략의 부재로 인해 실패적이었다.

The company's overseas expansion was a failure due to a lack of strategy.

Using '-로 인해' to express a formal cause.

실패적인 시도임에도 불구하고 그는 계속해서 도전했다.

Despite it being a failed attempt, he continued to challenge himself.

Using '-임에도 불구하고' (despite being).

이 영화가 상업적으로는 실패적이었을지 모르나 예술적으로는 훌륭하다.

This movie might have been a commercial failure, but artistically it is great.

Using '-었을지 모르나' (might have been... but).

과거의 실패적인 경험이 그를 더 강하게 만들었다.

The past failed experiences made him stronger.

Using 'made (someone) stronger' (강하게 만들었다).

그의 주장은 논리적으로 볼 때 상당히 실패적이다.

His argument is considerably a failure when viewed logically.

Using 'when viewed' (볼 때) to qualify a judgment.

실패적인 정책이 국민들에게 큰 고통을 주었다.

The failed policy caused great suffering to the citizens.

Transitive use of 'gave/caused' (주었다) with a failed subject.

이 시도가 실패적일 경우를 대비하여 플랜 B를 준비했다.

In preparation for the case that this attempt is a failure, I prepared Plan B.

Using '-을 경우를 대비하여' (in preparation for the case of).

그 프로젝트의 실패적인 귀결은 예견된 것이었다.

The unsuccessful conclusion of the project was something foreseen.

Using '귀결' (conclusion/outcome) and '예견된' (foreseen).

기술의 한계로 인해 초기 실험은 다소 실패적인 양상을 띠었다.

Due to technical limitations, the early experiments took on a somewhat unsuccessful aspect.

Using '양상을 띠다' (to take on an aspect/appearance).

그의 발언은 외교적으로 매우 실패적인 결과를 초래했다.

His remarks brought about very unsuccessful results diplomatically.

Using '초래하다' (to bring about/cause - usually negative).

실패적인 교육 시스템의 폐해는 고스란히 학생들에게 돌아갔다.

The negative effects of the failed education system went entirely to the students.

Using '폐해' (harmful effects) and '고스란히' (entirely/just as it is).

작가는 실패적인 인간 군상을 통해 현대 사회를 비판한다.

The author criticizes modern society through a group of failed human figures.

Using '인간 군상' (group of people/humanity).

그의 시도는 시대의 흐름을 읽지 못한 실패적인 것이었다.

His attempt was an unsuccessful one that failed to read the trends of the times.

Using '시대의 흐름을 읽다' (to read the trends of the times).

실패적인 협상 끝에 양측은 결국 합의에 도달하지 못했다.

After a failed negotiation, both sides ultimately failed to reach an agreement.

Using '끝에' (at the end of/after) to show the result.

그의 이론은 실험 데이터와의 불일치로 인해 실패적임이 입증되었다.

His theory was proven to be a failure due to inconsistency with experimental data.

Using '-임이 입증되다' (to be proven to be).

본 논문은 근대화 과정에서의 실패적인 담론들을 재조명한다.

This paper re-examines the unsuccessful discourses in the process of modernization.

Academic terms: '담론' (discourse), '재조명하다' (to re-examine/shed new light on).

그의 통치는 역사적으로 실패적인 전제 군주의 전형으로 평가받는다.

His reign is historically evaluated as the epitome of an unsuccessful absolute monarch.

Advanced terms: '전제 군주' (absolute monarch), '전형' (epitome/classic example).

실패적인 정책의 연쇄 작용이 국가 경제를 파탄으로 몰아넣었다.

A chain reaction of failed policies drove the national economy into ruin.

Using '연쇄 작용' (chain reaction) and '파탄' (ruin/breakdown).

이 작품은 실패적인 욕망의 끝에서 인간이 마주하는 허무를 다룬다.

This work deals with the futility humans face at the end of failed desires.

Literary terms: '허무' (futility/nothingness), '마주하다' (to face).

그의 혁명은 민중의 지지를 얻지 못한 채 실패적인 시도로 기록되었다.

His revolution was recorded as an unsuccessful attempt without gaining the support of the people.

Using '-ㄴ 채' (in the state of) and '기록되다' (to be recorded).

실패적인 프로젝트를 미화하려는 시도는 오히려 신뢰를 떨어뜨린다.

Attempts to beautify a failed project rather decrease trust.

Using '미화하다' (to beautify/glamorize) and '오히려' (rather/on the contrary).

그의 삶은 끊임없는 도전과 실패적인 좌절의 반복이었다.

His life was a repetition of constant challenges and unsuccessful frustrations.

Using '좌절' (frustration/setback) and '반복' (repetition).

실패적인 결말에도 불구하고 그 과정의 가치는 폄하될 수 없다.

Despite the unsuccessful ending, the value of the process cannot be disparaged.

Using '폄하되다' (to be disparaged/belittled).

Common Collocations

실패적인 결과

실패적인 정책

실패적인 시도

상당히 실패적이다

실패적이라고 평가하다

실패적인 데뷔

실패적인 마케팅

완전히 실패적이다

실패적인 관계

실패적인 삶

Common Phrases

결과가 실패적이다

— The outcome is a failure. Used when assessing the end of a project.

결과가 실패적이라서 실망이 큽니다.

시도는 좋았으나 실패적이다

— The attempt was good, but it was a failure. Used to give partial credit.

시도는 좋았으나 결과는 실패적이었습니다.

실패적인 행보

— An unsuccessful course of action or steps taken.

정치인의 실패적인 행보가 논란이 되고 있다.

실패적인 전술

— An unsuccessful tactic or strategy, often used in sports.

감독의 실패적인 전술로 경기에 졌다.

실패적인 실험

— A failed experiment. Common in science and research.

실패적인 실험도 과학의 일부입니다.

실패적인 투자

— A failed investment where money was lost.

그는 실패적인 투자로 큰 빚을 졌다.

실패적인 영화

— A failed movie, usually in terms of box office or reviews.

그것은 그 배우의 가장 실패적인 영화였다.

실패적인 만남

— An unsuccessful meeting or date.

소개팅은 정말 실패적인 만남이었어요.

실패적인 대처

— An unsuccessful handling or response to a situation.

정부의 실패적인 대처가 화를 키웠다.

실패적인 연기

— Unsuccessful acting or performance.

그의 실패적인 연기는 관객들을 실망시켰다.

Often Confused With

실패적이다 vs 실패하다

A verb meaning 'to fail' (action). '실패적이다' is an adjective meaning 'to be a failure' (state/quality).

실패적이다 vs 실수하다

Means 'to make a mistake'. A mistake (실수) is usually a small error, while a failure (실패) is a larger outcome.

실패적이다 vs 부정적이다

Means 'to be negative'. While a failure is negative, '부정적이다' refers to an attitude or a negative reaction, not necessarily an unsuccessful result.

Idioms & Expressions

"실패는 성공의 어머니"

— Failure is the mother of success. A common proverb encouraging people to learn from failure.

실패적인 결과에 낙담하지 마세요. 실패는 성공의 어머니니까요.

Proverb

"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a bottomless pot. Used for a failed effort that consumes resources with no result.

이 프로젝트는 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기처럼 실패적이다.

Idiom

"죽 쒀서 개 준다"

— Making porridge and giving it to a dog. Used when a failed effort ends up benefiting someone else.

열심히 준비했지만 결국 죽 쒀서 개 준 꼴로 실패적이었다.

Idiom

"공든 탑이 무너지랴"

— Will a tower built with effort crumble? Used to express hope that a project won't be a failure if effort was put in.

우리의 노력이 실패적인 결과로 끝나지는 않을 것입니다.

Proverb

"말짱 도루묵"

— Everything returning to nothing. Used when a situation becomes a total failure after high hopes.

협상이 결렬되면서 모든 게 말짱 도루묵이 되어 실패적이었다.

Idiom

"소 잃고 외양간 고치기"

— Fixing the stable after losing the cow. Used for unsuccessful actions taken too late.

그의 대처는 소 잃고 외양간 고치는 격이라 실패적이었다.

Proverb

"빛 좋은 개살구"

— A wild apricot with a good color. Used for something that looks good but is actually a failure in quality.

그 광고는 빛 좋은 개살구처럼 실제로는 실패적이었다.

Idiom

"모래성 쌓기"

— Building a sandcastle. Used for a project that is destined to be a failure because it lacks a foundation.

기초가 없는 계획은 모래성 쌓기처럼 실패적일 수밖에 없다.

Idiom

"계란으로 바위 치기"

— Striking a rock with an egg. Used for an attempt that is so impossible it is bound to be a failure.

대기업을 상대로 싸우는 것은 계란으로 바위 치기라 실패적이었다.

Idiom

"첫 단추를 잘못 끼우다"

— Fastening the first button wrong. Used for a project that was a failure from the very start.

첫 단추를 잘못 끼워서 모든 과정이 실패적이었다.

Idiom

Easily Confused

실패적이다 vs 실패하다

They share the same root '실패'.

실패하다 is a verb (I failed the test). 실패적이다 is an adjective (The result was a failure).

나는 사업에 실패했다 vs 내 사업은 실패적이었다.

실패적이다 vs 실패작

Both describe a failure.

실패작 is a noun specifically for a 'failed work' (like a movie or painting). 실패적이다 is a general adjective.

이 영화는 실패작이다 vs 이 영화의 성과는 실패적이다.

실패적이다 vs 성공적이다

Antonym that follows the same structure.

It is the direct opposite meaning 'successful'.

공연은 성공적이었다.

실패적이다 vs 불발

Both relate to things not working.

불발 means something didn't happen at all. 실패적 means it happened but went poorly.

계획이 불발되었다 vs 계획이 실패적이었다.

실패적이다 vs 미흡하다

Both are used in evaluations.

미흡하다 is softer, meaning 'not enough'. 실패적이다 is stronger, meaning 'a failure'.

성과가 미흡하다 vs 성과가 실패적이다.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]이/가 실패적이에요.

시험이 실패적이에요.

[Noun] 때문에 [Subject]이/가 실패적이었어요.

비 때문에 여행이 실패적이었어요.

[Adverb]으로 실패적이다.

이 계획은 경제적으로 실패적이다.

실패적인 [Noun]을/를 [Verb].

실패적인 시도를 반복하지 마세요.

[Subject]은/는 실패적이라는 평가를 받다.

그 영화는 실패적이라는 평가를 받았다.

실패적임에도 불구하고 [Action].

실패적임에도 불구하고 계속 도전했다.

[Subject]이/가 실패적인 양상을 띠다.

협상이 실패적인 양상을 띠고 있다.

[Subject]은/는 실패적인 [Noun]의 전형이다.

이 정책은 실패적인 행정의 전형이다.

Word Family

Nouns

실패 (Failure)

실패자 (A failure/A person who failed)

실패작 (A failed work/product)

Verbs

실패하다 (To fail)

Adjectives

실패적이다 (To be unsuccessful/a failure)

성공 (Success)

좌절 (Frustration/Setback)

낙방 (Failing an exam)

결렬 (Breakdown of negotiations)

수포 (Bubbles/Vain effort)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional, academic, and media contexts; less common in casual everyday banter.

Common Mistakes

나는 시험에 실패적이었어요. → 나는 시험에 실패했어요.
You should use the verb '실패하다' to describe an action you performed. '실패적이다' is for describing the result or the test itself.
실패적인을 결과 → 실패적인 결과
The modifier form is '실패적인'. You don't need the '을' particle between the adjective and the noun.
그는 실패적이다. → 그의 삶은 실패적이다. (Or use '실패자')
Describing a person directly as '실패적이다' is awkward and very harsh. It's better to describe their life or work.
계획을 실패적이다. → 계획이 실패적이다.
Since '실패적이다' is an adjective, use the subject marker (이/가), not the object marker (을/를).
실패적이다고 생각해요. → 실패적이라고 생각해요.
When quoting or expressing an opinion with nouns or '이다' adjectives, use '라고', not '다고'.

Tips

Use for Results

Always remember that '실패적이다' describes the *result* or the *nature* of an event. Use it when you are looking back at something and judging it.

Adjective vs Verb

Don't say 'I was failure-like' (나는 실패적이었다) when you mean 'I failed' (나는 실패했다). Use the verb for your own actions.

Professional Tone

Use this word in business meetings or written reports to sound professional and objective when discussing things that didn't go well.

Learn the Antonym

Learning '실패적이다' and '성공적이다' together is the best way to remember them both, as they are perfect opposites.

Noun Modification

Practice using the '실패적인 [Noun]' pattern. It's a very common way to describe failed efforts in Korean writing.

Politeness Matters

Because failure is a sensitive topic, always use polite endings like '-에요' or '-입니다' unless you are talking to very close friends.

Listen for Reviews

You will hear this word most often in movie reviews or news reports. It's a key word for understanding critiques.

Be Careful with People

Avoid calling people '실패적'. It's very rude. Focus the word on their actions or the outcomes of their work instead.

Aspirate the 'P'

Make sure the '패' sound in '실패' has a clear puff of air. If it sounds like '배', it might be confused with other words.

Seal the Fail

Think of 'Sil-Pae' as sealing a failure. Once it's sealed, it's a '실패적' result.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sil-Pae' as 'Seal-Fail'. If you put a seal on a fail, it becomes a 'Fail-Seal' (실패). Add '-jeok' (like an object) to describe it as failure-like.

Visual Association

Imagine a big red stamp that says 'FAIL' being pressed onto a document. The document is now '실패적' (failure-like).

Word Web

실패 (Failure) 성공 (Success) 계획 (Plan) 결과 (Result) 평가 (Evaluation) 시도 (Attempt) 정책 (Policy) 영화 (Movie)

Challenge

Try to find one thing today that was '실패적'—maybe a small mistake or a plan that changed—and describe it using '실패적이었어요' to a friend or in your journal.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '실패' (Hanja: 失敗) and the suffix '-적' (Hanja: 的). '실' (失) means to lose or miss, and '패' (敗) means to be defeated or to fail.

Original meaning: To lose through defeat; a state where an objective was not attained.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Avoid using this word to describe a person's life or character unless you intend to be very harsh or are writing a fictional villain.

In English, we might say 'It was a flop' or 'It was a bust'. '실패적이다' is more like saying 'It was abortive' or 'It was unsuccessful' in a formal report.

Economic reports on the 'Lost Decades' often use this word to describe certain policies. Film critics' reviews of high-budget 'flops' in Korean cinema. Historical accounts of failed revolutions like the Gapsin Coup.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meeting

이번 분기 실적은 실패적입니다.
마케팅 전략이 실패적이었던 원인을 분석해야 합니다.
실패적인 투자를 반복해서는 안 됩니다.
이 프로젝트는 실패적이라고 평가받고 있습니다.

Movie/Art Review

감독의 새로운 시도는 실패적이었다.
영화의 결말이 매우 실패적입니다.
실패적인 연출로 인해 몰입감이 떨어졌다.
이 작품은 상업적으로 실패적인 결과를 낳았다.

Academic/Research

실험 과정이 실패적이라 데이터를 얻지 못했다.
실패적인 가설을 수정해야 합니다.
이 논문은 실패적인 정책의 사례를 다룬다.
연구 결과가 실패적임이 입증되었다.

Personal Reflection

나의 첫 번째 도전은 실패적이었다.
실패적인 경험을 통해 성장했다.
오늘의 요리는 정말 실패적이었어.
실패적인 다이어트였지만 포기하지 않을 거야.

Politics/Society

정부의 부동산 정책은 실패적이라는 비판이 많다.
실패적인 교육 시스템을 개혁해야 한다.
외교적 협상이 실패적으로 끝났다.
실패적인 행정으로 시민들이 불편을 겪고 있다.

Conversation Starters

"어제 본 영화 어땠어요? 저는 좀 실패적이었다고 생각해요."

"새로 시도한 요리가 실패적이었는데, 팁 좀 주실 수 있나요?"

"회사 프로젝트가 실패적이었을 때 어떻게 대처하시나요?"

"실패적인 경험이 나중에 도움이 된 적이 있나요?"

"이 계획이 실패적일 경우를 대비해서 다른 방법이 있을까요?"

Journal Prompts

자신이 겪었던 가장 실패적인 경험에 대해 쓰고, 거기서 무엇을 배웠는지 기록해 보세요.

최근에 본 영화나 책 중에서 실패적이라고 느꼈던 작품과 그 이유를 설명해 보세요.

실패적인 결과를 마주했을 때 자신의 감정을 어떻게 다스리는지 적어 보세요.

사회적으로 실패적이라고 평가받는 정책이 있다면 무엇인지, 그리고 어떻게 개선할 수 있을지 써 보세요.

실패적인 하루를 보냈을 때, 자신을 위로하는 나만의 방법을 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is grammatically possible but very rare and extremely harsh. It sounds like you are evaluating a person's entire existence as a failed project. It is much better to use '실패자' (a failure/loser) if you must, though even that is very rude. Usually, this word describes things, results, or plans.

'실패했다' is the past tense of the verb 'to fail'. It focuses on the fact that someone failed. '실패적이었다' is the past tense of the adjective 'to be a failure'. It focuses on describing the nature of the event or result. For example, 'The experiment was a failure' (실험이 실패적이었다) sounds like a formal report, while 'I failed the experiment' (나는 실험에 실패했다) is a statement of action.

You use the noun-modifying form '실패적인'. So, 'failed plan' is '실패적인 계획'. Example: '실패적인 계획을 수정하세요' (Please fix the failed plan).

Yes, but it sounds a bit more 'analytical' or 'serious' than other words. If you want to say your dinner was bad, you'd usually say '맛없어요' or '망했어요'. Use '실패적이다' when you want to sound like you are giving a more objective or formal critique.

Not really. '실패적이다' implies a larger scale of failure, like a project, a career move, or a policy. For a small error, use '실수' (mistake).

The direct opposite is '성공적이다' (seonggongjeogida), which means 'to be successful'. It is used in the exact same way.

Yes, it is very common to use adverbs of degree like '매우', '정말', or '상당히' with '실패적이다' to emphasize how much of a failure something was.

Yes. '그 계획은 실패적이었나요?' (Was that plan a failure?) is a perfectly natural way to ask for an evaluation.

Yes, it comes from '실패' (失敗) and '-적' (的). This is why it sounds more formal and structured.

Yes, it carries a negative meaning as it describes failure. However, in professional contexts, it is used for honest analysis, which is seen as necessary for improvement.