dead loss

noun

1. informal,  a person, thing, or situation that is completely useless or unprofitable

2. a complete loss for which no compensation is received

Idioms and Phrases

A total loss, as in They've changed the currency, so these old coins are a dead loss . [Early 1700s]

A worthless person or thing; also, an utter waste of time. For example, With an injured knee he's a dead loss to the team , or It rained every day, so our week at the beach was a dead loss . [1920s]