Profitable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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profitable

[หˆprษ’fษชtษ™bl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

business

Producing a profit; beneficial; lucrative.

Synonyms

gainful, lucrative, productive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
profitable

Used to describe something that generates a good amount of profit or benefits. It is often used in business or financial contexts to indicate success and financial gain.

  • The new marketing strategy turned out to be very profitable for the company.
  • Investing in real estate can be highly profitable if you understand the market.
lucrative

Describes something that is highly profitable and brings in a significant amount of money. It is often used with jobs, projects, or investments that are exceptionally rewarding financially.

  • He left his job to pursue a more lucrative career in software development.
  • The concert tour proved to be a lucrative venture for the band.
gainful

Refers to employment or work that provides financial remuneration or benefits. It often implies stable and steady income.

  • After months of job searching, she finally found gainful employment.
  • Gainful work is essential for supporting a family.
productive

Typically used to describe someone or something that produces a high amount of output, whether in terms of work, goods, or results. It focuses more on output rather than financial gain.

  • She had a very productive day at work and finished all her projects.
  • The factory is extremely productive, manufacturing thousands of units daily.

Examples of usage

  • This investment is expected to be very profitable in the long run.
  • Starting a small business can be profitable if done correctly.
  • The company has become more profitable since implementing new cost-cutting measures.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Beneficial; advantageous.

Synonyms

advantageous, beneficial, rewarding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
profitable

Typically used in a business or financial setting when discussing investments, ventures, or strategies that generate significant monetary gain.

  • The new product line proved highly profitable for the company
  • They invested in real estate because itโ€™s a profitable market
advantageous

Often used to describe situations or choices that provide a superior position or benefit in various contexts, including business, personal decisions, or competitive scenarios.

  • Having a multilingual employee is advantageous in international business
  • Living near good schools is advantageous for families with children
beneficial

Commonly used in a broader sense to indicate something that promotes well-being or has a positive impact, suitable for health, environment, relationships, and general favorable outcomes.

  • Regular exercise is beneficial to your health
  • This new policy will be beneficial to our community
rewarding

Generally used to describe activities or experiences that provide personal satisfaction, fulfillment, or emotional benefit, and not necessarily financial gain.

  • Volunteering at the shelter is very rewarding
  • Teaching is a challenging but rewarding profession

Examples of usage

  • It is always profitable to have a positive attitude.
  • Learning a new language is a profitable experience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In microeconomics, a business is considered profitable if its total revenue exceeds its total costs.
  • A company can be profitable even if it doesn't pay out dividends, as long as it retains earnings for growth.
  • Profitability ratios are used to measure a company's ability to generate profit relative to its revenue, assets, or equity.

Business Strategies

  • Companies often focus on profitability by reducing costs or increasing sales, aiming for higher margins.
  • Sustainable profitable practices involve ethical considerations, like fair labor and environmental conservation.
  • Entrepreneurs frequently seek innovative ideas for products and services that can become highly profitable.

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that the pursuit of profit can influence decision-making and risk-taking behaviors in individuals.
  • Perception of profitability may be linked to motivation โ€“ people often strive for jobs or investments they think will yield high returns.
  • The profit motive can create a competitive environment, impacting teamwork and collaboration in workplaces.

Investment

  • Investors look for profitable businesses to ensure a good return on their investment over time.
  • Market trends indicate that diversification of investments can lead to increased overall profitability.
  • Financial analysts use various metrics, like Return on Investment (ROI), to assess a companyโ€™s profitability potential.

Origin of 'profitable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'profitable' originates from the Latin word 'profitare', meaning to make a profit.
  • It became part of the English language in the late Middle Ages as trade and commerce began to flourish.
  • In business terminology, profit refers to surplus after all expenses are deducted from revenue.

The word 'profitable' originated from the Latin word 'proficere' meaning 'to benefit'. Over time, it evolved to its current form in English, retaining its core meaning of being beneficial or producing a profit. The concept of profitability has been important in various aspects of human endeavors, especially in business and economics.


See also: nonprofit, profit, profitability, profitableness, profitably, profiteer, profiteering, profitize, profits.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,304, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.