unprofitable

adjective

un·​prof·​it·​able ˌən-ˈprä-fə-tə-bəl How to pronounce unprofitable (audio)
-ˈpräf-tə-bəl
Synonyms of unprofitablenext
: not profitable : producing no gain, good, or result
an unprofitable venture
unprofitableness noun
unprofitably
ˌən-ˈprä-fə-tə-blē How to pronounce unprofitable (audio)
-ˈpräf-tə-blē
adverb

Examples of unprofitable in a Sentence

an unprofitable effort to find the information
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bankruptcy law enables retailers to close and break leases on weak or unprofitable stores without penalty. David Moin, Footwear News, 2 June 2026 While the quantum computing market holds immense potential, many pure-play firms remain unprofitable, relying on speculation rather than sustainable growth. Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Trainer also notes that SpaceX will make its public debut as the most unprofitable player in all of its main businesses. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 May 2026 The latest financial disclosures show the company is currently unprofitable—the Starlink Internet satellite service being the only profitable unit—with a growing debt load that has reached $29 billion. Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unprofitable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprofitable was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unprofitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprofitable. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

unprofitable

adjective
un·​prof·​it·​able ˌən-ˈpräf-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce unprofitable (audio)
-ˈpräf-tə-bəl
ˈən-
: not profitable
unprofitably adverb

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