Profiteering: meaning, definitions and examples

This term typically refers to making excessive profits in an unethical manner, especially during times of crisis or emergency.

• During the war, many companies were accused of profiteering by raising prices on essential goods.
• The government's new regulations aim to curb profiteering practices in the pharmaceutical industry.

This phrase is often used when prices of goods or services are significantly raised to unfairly high levels, particularly during shortages or emergencies.

• The store was heavily fined for price gouging during the hurricane by charging $10 for a bottle of water.
• Many online sellers were accused of price gouging for essential medical supplies during the pandemic.

This term is used when someone unfairly uses another person or situation for their own gain, often without proper compensation or consideration for the other party.

• Child labor is a clear example of exploitation in many developing countries.
• The workers spoke out about the exploitation they faced in the factory.

This phrase can have a more general use, referring to any situation where someone uses another person's weakness, lack of knowledge, or a particular situation to gain an unfair advantage.

• He was taking advantage of his grandmother's forgetfulness to borrow money without returning it.
• Some companies were taking advantage of the loopholes in the tax system.

Typically used in situations where someone is making excessive profits in ways that are seen as unethical or exploitative, especially during emergencies or crises.

• During the war, some companies were accused of profiteering by overcharging for essential goods.
• The government's new measures aim to stop fuel profiteering during natural disasters.

Used when someone takes advantage of others in an unfair or unethical way, often for financial gain. It often implies a power imbalance where the exploiter benefits at the expense of the exploited.

• The exploitation of workers in sweatshops has been widely condemned.
• Environmental groups are fighting against the exploitation of natural resources.

Describes an excessive desire for wealth or power, often leading to unethical behavior. It has a strong negative connotation and is used to critique moral character.

• His greed led him to cheat his partners out of their shares.
• The downfall of the company was attributed to the CEO's insatiable greed.

Refers to gains that are made through practices that are considered morally wrong. This term is often used in discussions of business ethics and corporate responsibility.

• The company was accused of making unethical profits by using child labor.
• Unethical profit from insider trading can lead to severe penalties and damaged reputations.