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.
Countries with these taxes can collect revenue from large companies that operate online — even if the business is unprofitable. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 27 June 2025 Waymo Is Burning Through Cash Now, almost seven years since its launch, Waymo remains unprofitable. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Despite achieving average revenue growth exceeding 40% over the past three years, the company remains unprofitable with an operating cash flow margin of negative 25% and a net income margin of negative 11%. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Many major pharmaceutical firms have little incentive to sell their products in unprofitable markets. Nahim Bin Zahur, The Conversation, 17 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unprofitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprofitable. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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