ungainfully

Adverb

ungainfully (comparative more ungainfully, superlative most ungainfully)

1. Without being paid; unprofitably.
   • 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...1883, Sir Frederick Pollock, The Land Laws, page 82
   • 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
2. Without accomplishing anything; unprofitably.
   • 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
   • 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