Profiteer: meaning, definitions and examples
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profiteer
[ ˌprɒf.ɪˈtɪər ]
business
A person who takes advantage of a situation to make a profit, often in a dishonest or unethical way.
Synonyms
exploiter, mercenary, opportunist
Examples of usage
- He was accused of being a profiteer who exploited the war for personal gain.
- The profiteer manipulated market prices for his own benefit.
economy
To make a profit, especially by taking advantage of a situation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Some businesses profiteer during times of crisis by raising prices unreasonably.
- The company was accused of profiteering from the pandemic.
Translations
Translations of the word "profiteer" in other languages:
🇵🇹 especulador
🇮🇳 मुनाफा कमाने वाला
🇩🇪 Kriegsgewinnler
🇮🇩 pengambil untung
🇺🇦 спекулянт
🇵🇱 spekulant
🇯🇵 暴利をむさぼる人
🇫🇷 profiteur
🇪🇸 especulador
🇹🇷 kâr peşinde koşan
🇰🇷 이익을 노리는 사람
🇸🇦 مستغل
🇨🇿 spekulant
🇸🇰 špekulant
🇨🇳 投机者
🇸🇮 špekulant
🇮🇸 gróðamaður
🇰🇿 пайдакүнем
🇬🇪 სპეკულანტი
🇦🇿 faydalanan
🇲🇽 especulador
Word origin
The term 'profiteer' originated during the early 20th century, particularly during times of war or economic instability. It gained negative connotations due to individuals or businesses exploiting such situations for personal gain at the expense of others. The word reflects a sense of opportunism and greed, often associated with unethical practices in pursuit of financial profit.
See also: nonprofit, profit, profitability, profitable, profitableness, profitably, profiteering, profitize, profits.