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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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

Related Words

Slang Meanings

loser
That business was a total loser – it was completely unprofitable.
sinking ship
Investing in that project felt like boarding a sinking ship.