unprofitable

adjective

un·​prof·​it·​able ˌən-ˈprä-fə-tə-bəl How to pronounce unprofitable (audio)
-ˈpräf-tə-bəl
: 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-bəl
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.
Interestingly, though, brokerage strategists' index targets continue to lag the index itself, professional investors are not yet maxed out on equity risk and even the retail-trader frenzy is short of the 2021 binge on unprofitable tech stocks and meme plays. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025 That’s why Stephen Colbert remains at CBS through next May, even if his show has become unprofitable—his contract as the host of The Late Show has to be honored either way. David Sims, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2025 The business is currently unprofitable, and Forbes estimates gross margins at 35%. Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Instead, the fund invested in risky assets that were unprofitable, had very little return on investment, and carried a large amount of debt, said the news release. Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025 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 4 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unprofitable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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