Unprofitable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unprofitable

 

[ ʌnˈprɒfɪtəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

financial situation

Unprofitable refers to a condition or state in which an entity fails to generate a profit or gain from its operations or endeavors. This situation may arise in businesses that face high costs, low sales, or unfavorable market conditions. Firms identified as unprofitable may need to reassess their strategy or operations to return to profitability. Being unprofitable for an extended period can lead to significant financial strain and possibly result in bankruptcy or closure.

Synonyms

loss-making, unproductive, unrewarding

Examples of usage

  • The startup remained unprofitable for three consecutive years.
  • Investors are worried about the unprofitable nature of the venture.
  • Many unprofitable companies struggle to attract funding.

Translations

Translations of the word "unprofitable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não lucrativo

🇮🇳 अलाभकारी

🇩🇪 unrentabel

🇮🇩 tidak menguntungkan

🇺🇦 збитковий

🇵🇱 nieopłacalny

🇯🇵 非利益的な

🇫🇷 non rentable

🇪🇸 no rentable

🇹🇷 kârsız

🇰🇷 비수익의

🇸🇦 غير مربح

🇨🇿 nerentabilní

🇸🇰 nerentabilný

🇨🇳 无利润的

🇸🇮 nerentabilen

🇮🇸 óhagkvæmur

🇰🇿 тиімсіз

🇬🇪 არამომგებიანი

🇦🇿 qeyri-mənfəət

🇲🇽 no rentable

Etymology

The word 'unprofitable' is derived from the prefix 'un-', which comes from Old English 'un-', meaning 'not', and the root word 'profitable', which is traceable to the Latin 'profitable' derived from 'pro' meaning 'for' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'. The usage of 'unprofitable' in English can be traced back to the mid-19th century, as debates around business and economics began to develop more significantly during this period. As industries grew, the distinction between profitable and unprofitable ventures became critical, leading to an increasing frequency of its use in financial discussions and literature. The term highlights the duality inherent in business—where success is measured not just by revenue but also by the costs incurred, influencing strategic decision-making in various enterprises.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,329, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.