C1adjective2K

Profitable

UK /["/ˈprɒfɪtəbl/"]/US /["/ˈprɑːfɪtəbl/"]/

Definition

that makes or is likely to make money

In simple words: making money or being good for business

Examples

a highly profitable business
a profitable investment
It is usually more profitable to sell direct to the public.
The business is not really profitable enough.
What can be done to keep the business profitable?
confident that the venture will prove profitable
a profitable experience
She spent a profitable afternoon in the library.
It was, generally, a profitable meeting.
Some churches have found it profitable to hold services during the week.

Usage notes

Use 'profitable' in business contexts to describe activities, investments, or companies that generate profit. Avoid in informal conversations unless discussing financial topics.

Grammar pattern

profitable + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'profit-able' — think of a business that is able to make a profit.

Collocations

appear
be
prove
extremely
fairly
very
be
find something
very
mutually
potentially

Synonyms

rewarding

Antonyms

unprofitable
loss-making
unrewarding

Common mistakes

Confused with 'profitless' which means not making money.
Using it as a verb instead of an adjective.
Incorrectly placing it before the noun instead of after.