Dictionary

ungainfully en · ADV

Etymology

From un- + gainful + -ly.

Meanings

1. Without being paid; unprofitably.
   • The social consideration is that the workers who are ungainfully employed create problems of social friction; and the national character of the people suffers in the end. 1965, Ch Umamaheswara Rao, Small Scale Industries: Some Economic Aspects, page 121:
   • In later times this office was assigned by settled usage to the crier of the Court, who in this capacity was called " the common vouchee," and thus cheerfully and, we presume, not ungainfully passed his life, or so much thereof as was covered by the legal terms, in perpetual contempt of the Court of Common Pleas and liability to be fined at the king's discretion. 1883, Sir Frederick Pollock, The Land Laws, page 82:
   • They are allowed to earn money in no way, nor are they permitted to work, even ungainfully (this circumstance is, no doubt, at the root of the greedy hurry of their lives in Jaouedda). 1985, Robert Kelly, A Transparent Tree, page 33:
2. Without accomplishing anything; unprofitably.
   • A Sekhri girl had hid behind the lofty rocks which had remained unconquered for long, and had watched the British perishing ungainfully without adding any glory to the Empire. 1995, Brij Mohan Toofan, The Kiss of Freedom, page 83:
   • At the end of the day 25 per cent of the working time of the gang and of the expensive machine, has been ungainfully spent. 1965, Robert Bruce Oram, Cargo handling and the modern port, page 126:
   • It was therefore decided to start an experimental scheme in this particular locality in order to furnish the reclaiming operators with the necessary information and experience lest time, effort and money might be ungainfully spent . 1972, Occasional Paper - Issues 23-24, page 103:
3. In an ungainly manner; awkwardly.
   • Life reported that he "never walks fast but lumbers along ungainfully to conserve his energy. He never exercises but is exceptionally strong." 1991, Faces, page 83:
   • But lndiglo test models were also ungainfully big. 1997, Applications in Basic Marketing, page 21:
   • she looks in the mirror and sees herself as unattractive and ungainfully overweight. 1994, Mary Valentis, Anne Devane, Female Rage: Unlocking Its Secrets, Claiming Its Power, page 79:
   • Fanny struggled ungainfully to her feet, clutching her protesting back as she got up. 2009, Lum Kit- Wye, In 5 Easy Steps:

Forms