The Greek adjective alysitelēs (ἀλυσιτελής) means unprofitable, not worth the cost, or yielding no benefit — composed of the alpha-privative and a form of lysitelei (it is profitable, it pays expenses). It appears once in Hebrews 13:17, describing what it would be to make the leaders' work joyless.
Hebrews 13:17 urges submission to church leaders, since they keep watch over souls as those who will give an account. If they do this work joylessly because of resistant sheep, it is unprofitable for the congregation. The health of the whole community depends on followers who honor those who serve with joy. Profitable relationships in Christ are marked by mutual submission, accountability, and the joy that comes from shared faithfulness.