gainless

[geyn-lis]

adjective

1. unprofitable.

2. unavailing.

Other Word Forms

• gainlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gainless¹

First recorded in 1630–40; gain ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

We need The fine audacities of honest deed; The homely old integrities of soul; The swift temerities that take the part Of outcast right—the wisdom of the heart; Brave hopes that Mammon never can detain, Nor sully with his gainless clutch for gain.

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O gracious God! not gainless is the loss: A glorious sunbeam gilds thy sternest frown; And while his country staggers with the cross, He rises with the crown!

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Before them on the U-shaped table lay the problem that had teased and baffled the subcommittee through 50 gainless sessions in twice as many gainless months: how to control the production and the use of arms.

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O gracious God! not gainless is the loss; A glorious sunbeam gilds thy sternest frown, And while his country staggers neath the Cross, He rises with the Crown.

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O, gracious God! not gainless is the loss!

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Related Words

• abortive 
• futile 
• ineffective 
• ineffectual 
• pointless 
• unproductive 
• unsuccessful 
• useless