# unprofitable

/ənˈpɹɑfɪtəbəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnpɹˈɒfɪtəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unprofitable
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing a business or activity that does not make enough money to cover its costs. You use this when a company is losing money instead of gaining it.

For teachers: failing to generate a financial return sufficient to cover the costs of production or operation. Often used to describe a business venture or investment that results in a net loss.

## Examples

- The small shop became unprofitable after the new tax law.
- The company decided to close its unprofitable branch in the city center to save money.
- Despite significant initial investment, the mining operation remained unprofitable due to volatile commodity prices and rising operational costs in the remote region.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.