Disprofit

/dɪsˈpɹɑfɪt/ noun

Definition

A loss or failure to gain profit; a financial disadvantage or setback rather than gain.

Etymology

From dis- (opposite) + profit (from Latin profectus, 'progress' or 'gain'). The prefix inverts the meaning from gain to loss, though the word is archaic.

Kelly Says

Before modern accounting language, merchants used 'disprofit' to describe when a business venture failed—it's more evocative than 'loss' because it emphasizes the dashed hopes of potential gain.

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