Mislykkende

Mislykkende is a Danish adjective meaning failing or unsuccessful, typically used to describe outcomes, events, or attempts rather than people. It denotes that something does not achieve its intended goal and often conveys a sense of incompletion or a poor result. The form can describe a noun, or be used predicatively after a linking verb.

Etymology and formation: Mislykkende is formed from the prefix mis- (wrong, bad) attached to lykkende, the present participle of lykkes, meaning to succeed. As an adjective it follows regular Danish inflection patterns and can be used in singular or plural forms and in attributive or predicative position.

Usage and nuance: The term is commonly found in more formal or neutral prose, such as reports, analyses, or technical writing, to describe unsuccessful attempts, projects, or processes. It emphasizes the quality of not meeting objectives rather than assigning moral judgment. In everyday speech, Danish speakers may prefer simpler phrases like mislykket, or use specific verbs such as mislykkes or mislykkedes to describe the action of failing.

Grammatical notes: Mislykkende declines like a standard Danish adjective. Examples: et mislykkende forsøg (a failed attempt), forsøget var mislykkende (the attempt was unsuccessful). For contrast, mislykket or mislykkede are more common for completed failures, depending on tense and context.

See also: mislykkes, mislykkede, mislykket.