Profiteering: meaning, definitions and examples

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profiteering

[ ˌprɒfɪˈtɪərɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

illegal

The act of making an excessive profit, especially by taking advantage of a situation of high demand or scarcity of goods.

Synonyms

exploitation, price gouging, taking advantage

Examples of usage

During the war, many companies were accused of profiteering by selling essential goods at inflated prices.
The government introduced strict regulations to prevent profiteering during the crisis.

^{Context #2}

negative

The act of making a profit in a way that is considered unethical or immoral.

Synonyms

exploitation, greed, unethical profit

Examples of usage

Some people view the pharmaceutical industry's pricing strategies as profiteering off the sick and vulnerable.
The company's CEO was criticized for profiteering at the expense of his employees.

Translations

Translations of the word "profiteering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agiotagem

🇮🇳 अवैध मुनाफाखोरी

🇩🇪 Wucher

🇮🇩 penimbunan

🇺🇦 спекуляція

🇵🇱 lichwa

🇯🇵 暴利行為 (ぼうりこうい)

🇫🇷 spéculation

🇪🇸 especulación

🇹🇷 vurgunculuk

🇰🇷 폭리 행위

🇸🇦 احتكار

🇨🇿 lichva

🇸🇰 úžera

🇨🇳 牟取暴利

🇸🇮 oderuštvo

🇮🇸 okur

🇰🇿 өсімқорлық

🇬🇪 მონოპოლია

🇦🇿 faizçilik

🇲🇽 especulación

Word origin

The term 'profiteering' originated during World War I to describe the act of making an excessive profit by taking advantage of the high demand for essential goods. It has since evolved to encompass any situation where individuals or businesses seek to make unethical or excessive profits. Profiteering is often associated with negative connotations and has been the subject of regulatory scrutiny in various industries.