Their early success was succeeded by a period of miserable failure.

他们起初获得成功，但随后有一段惨痛失败的时期。

《牛津词典》

They will pound him for being a miserable failure as the governor of Massachusetts.

WSJ: What's at Stake in Wisconsin

Eight years ago GM scuttled its first joint venture in China because it was such a miserable failure.

FORBES: The China Connection

He will be hardly hung out to dry if they just miss out, although miserable failure would be another matter.

BBC: Kerr talks a good game