uneconomical

IPA/ˌʌnˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkl/
KK[ənˌɛkənˈɑmɪkəl]IPA/ˌʌnˌiːkəˈnɑːmɪkl/

uneconomical — adjective

  • uneconomicalpositive
  • more uneconomicalcomparative
  • most uneconomicalsuperlative

1. Bringing in too little money to cover what it costs, so a business, route, or pr

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

Bringing in too little money to cover what it costs, so a business, route, or project loses money.

Example

The cafe stayed uneconomical after rent rose and lunch sales fell.

pattern: business + stay uneconomical

William warned that the late train service was uneconomical for the town.

collocation: uneconomical service

Common collocations
  • uneconomical business
  • uneconomical route
  • uneconomical service
  • uneconomical factory
  • become uneconomical
Synonyms
  • unprofitable

    The closest synonym when the main point is that a business or project does not earn enough money.

  • loss-making

    Common in business reporting and emphasizes actual financial loss.

  • nonviable

    Stresses that something cannot continue successfully, often for financial reasons.

Antonyms
  • profitable

    Used when income is greater than costs.

  • viable

    Stresses that a plan or business can continue successfully.

Grammar Patterns

be uneconomical

become uneconomical

make + noun + uneconomical

Usage Note

Usually said of a business, service, route, or project when the money coming in is too low for the costs involved. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about wasting time, fuel, or materials rather than failing to make money.

Common Mistakes

The handbag is uneconomical because it costs a lot.
The handbag is expensive.
Sense 1 is about something not making enough money, not simply having a high price.
The bakery is uneconomical because it uses too much electricity.
The bakery is uneconomical because it is losing money.
In sense 1, the focus is profit and costs, not resource waste by itself.

2. Needing extra time, fuel, effort, or material for the same result, so the method

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

Needing extra time, fuel, effort, or material for the same result, so the method wastes resources.

Example

Jiwoo found the old heater uneconomical because it burned gas all night.

collocation: uneconomical heater

Printing each page separately is uneconomical when the class needs fifty copies.

pattern: uneconomical method

Common collocations
  • uneconomical heater
  • uneconomical method
  • uneconomical to run
  • uneconomical journey
  • uneconomical use of paper
Synonyms
  • wasteful

    The everyday word for using more than necessary and often carrying criticism.

  • inefficient

    Broader and less money-focused, often about poor use of time, energy, or organization.

  • extravagant

    Suggests spending or using resources more freely than is sensible.

Antonyms
  • economical

    Used when something saves money or resources.

  • efficient

    Stresses good use of time, effort, or fuel.

Grammar Patterns

be uneconomical

be uneconomical to run

find + noun + uneconomical

Usage Note

Often used for methods, machines, travel, or habits that consume more fuel, time, or material than necessary. Common in patterns such as 'uneconomical to run'; unlike sense 1, this sense can apply even when no business profit is involved.

Common Mistakes

The store is uneconomical because customers stopped coming.
The store is uneconomical because it wastes electricity and paper.
Sense 2 is about wasteful use of resources; a store that is simply losing money fits sense 1.
The old bus is uneconomical because the tickets are expensive.
The old bus is uneconomical because it uses too much fuel.
Sense 2 focuses on inefficient use, not on the final price paid by passengers.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Uneconomical' is a formal word for something that does not make good financial sense. For businesses, routes, or projects, it often overlaps with 'unprofitable', which focuses directly on not earning enough money. For machines or methods, it can also overlap with 'wasteful' and 'inefficient', which focus on using too much fuel, time, or material. 'Wasteful' usually sounds more critical, while 'inefficient' is broader and can describe poor performance even when money is not the main issue. A bus route can be uneconomical because too few passengers use it, while an old heater can be uneconomical because it burns too much gas.

uneconomical ↗unprofitable ↗wasteful ↗inefficient ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • uneconomical route
  • uneconomical service
  • uneconomical heater
  • uneconomical method

Adverbs

Phrases

  • uneconomical to run
  • become uneconomical
  • uneconomical at current prices

Prepositions

  • uneconomical for
  • uneconomical to
  • uneconomical at

Etymology

GreekEnglish

Formed in English from the negative prefix 'un-' and 'economical'. 'Economical' goes back to 'economy', from Greek roots meaning household management. The modern adjective keeps the idea of whether money or resources are being used in a sensible way.

First known use

1840

1840, in the meaning defined above