Unsellable: meaning, definitions and examples
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unsellable
[ ʌnˈsɛləbəl ]
product status
Unsellable refers to an item or product that cannot be sold, often due to damage, lack of demand, or obsolescence. It highlights the inability to attract buyers despite efforts to market the item.
Synonyms
unmarketable, unsalable, unviable
Examples of usage
- The damaged electronics were deemed unsellable.
- Due to its outdated features, the phone became unsellable.
- After the recall, the toys were classified as unsellable.
Etymology
The term 'unsellable' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and the word 'sellable', which indicates something that can be sold. The word 'sellable' itself comes from the verb 'sell', which has Old English roots in 'sellan', meaning 'to give or hand over'. This transition to 'sellable' underscores the quality or condition of an item that makes it suitable for sale. Therefore, 'unsellable' takes on a negative connotation, implying that the item fails to meet the necessary standards or conditions for sale. The usage of 'unsellable' has become more common in various industries, particularly in retail and e-commerce, as businesses navigate the complexities of inventory management.