Unprofitable

/ʌnˈprɒfɪtəbl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not producing profit; resulting in loss or no financial gain.

The company's unprofitable ventures ultimately led to significant layoffs.

Not advantageous; not beneficial in terms of outcomes or results.

Investing in that unprofitable market was a decision the board regretted.

Failing to yield a positive return or financial benefit.

After reviewing the project's expenses, they concluded it was unprofitable in the long run.

from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'profitable' stemming from the Middle French 'profitablie'.

a losing proposition

a situation that is not likely to result in any benefit or success

throwing good money after bad

to continue investing in a losing situation

running at a loss

operating in a way that results in financial losses

profit

financial gain made in a transaction

loss

the amount of money lost in a business transaction

investment

the action or process of investing money for profit

loser

That business was a total loser – it was completely unprofitable.

sinking ship

Investing in that project felt like boarding a sinking ship.