How Do You Spell UNWINNING?

Pronunciation: [ʌnwˈɪnɪŋ] (IPA)

The word "unwinning" is spelled as /ʌnˈwɪnɪŋ/. The phonetic transcription of this word comprises four syllables. The first syllable sounds as "ʌn" which is pronounced as "uhn". The second syllable sounds as "wɪ" which is pronounced as "wi". The third and fourth syllables have the same sound "nɪŋ" pronounced as "ning". The word "unwinning" is formed by adding the prefix "un" to the verb "win" and has the meaning of not winning.

UNWINNING Meaning and Definition

  1. Unwinning is an adjective that describes a state or characteristic of lacking success, achievement, or victory. It entails being unsuccessful or failing to achieve the desired outcome or goal. The term implies a sense of defeat or disappointment in one's endeavors.

    When applied to a person, "unwinning" suggests an individual who consistently faces defeat or experiences setbacks in endeavors, whether it be personal, professional, or competitive. Such individuals often struggle to achieve success despite their persistent efforts, leading to a sense of frustration or disillusionment. They may face repeated failures, making it difficult for them to emerge victorious in various aspects of life.

    In a broader context, "unwinning" can also be used to describe situations, events, or endeavors that lack success, favor, or favorable outcomes. It implies a quality of being unproductive, futile, or lacking the desired results. This term can be applied to various domains such as sports competitions, business ventures, academic pursuits, or personal relationships where accomplishments or favorable outcomes remain elusive.

    Overall, "unwinning" characterizes a condition of being unsuccessful, defeated, or failing to achieve desired results. It conveys a sense of disappointment, frustration, or disillusionment in regards to one's own efforts or the outcomes of certain situations.

Etymology of UNWINNING

The word "unwinning" is derived from the combination of the prefix "un-" and the present participle form of the verb "win".

The prefix "un-" is from Old English and denotes the negation or reversal of the action or quality expressed by the word it is affixed to. In this case, "un-" negates the verb "win", implying the absence of winning.

The verb "win" originates from the Old English word "winnan", which meant "to labor, to strive, to fight, to conquer". Over time, the meaning of "win" evolved to refer specifically to achieving victory or obtaining success.

By adding the prefix "un-" to "win", the resulting word "unwinning" conveys the opposite meaning, signifying the lack of winning or the absence of success.