unprofitable

adjective

un·​prof·​it·​able ˌən-ˈprä-fə-tə-bəl 

-ˈpräf-tə-bəl

: not profitable : producing no gain, good, or result

an unprofitable venture

unprofitableness noun

unprofitably

ˌən-ˈprä-fə-tə-blē 

-ˈpräf-tə-blē

adverb

Synonyms of unprofitable

• unsuccessful
• futile
• useless

Examples of unprofitable in a Sentence

an unprofitable effort to find the information

Recent Examples on the Web

The unit remains unprofitable, but its operating margin was roughly half as bad as a year ago. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

Companies which produce dangerous or unreliable products quickly become unpopular and unprofitable. — Max Harden, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

But private carriers can pick and choose where it's offered, and withdraw from unprofitable communities. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026

In 2018, a prospective investor advised shutting down CMS’ Montana and North Dakota clinics as unprofitable. — Yashaswini Singh, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unprofitable

• profitable

Kids Definition

unprofitable

adjective

un·​prof·​it·​able ˌən-ˈpräf-ət-ə-bəl 

-ˈpräf-tə-bəl, 

ˈən-

: not profitable

unprofitably

-blē 

adverb