What does profiteer mean?
A profiteer is someone who obtains excessive or unfair profit, particularly by exploiting a crisis, emergency, or other people's hardship. The term is commonly used to describe businesses or individuals accused of charging excessive prices during wartime, a natural disaster, a supply shortage, or another period of public anxiety. Its force is ethical and political rather than strictly economic: ordinary commercial activity can produce a profit without implying misconduct, but calling someone a profiteer asserts that the gain was unreasonable or depended on taking advantage of others. The related verb “to profiteer” describes that conduct, and the gerund “profiteering” is often more common in formal reporting and public debate. Although “profiteer” can technically refer to anyone who profits, its established modern connotation is strongly negative and usually involves profiteering by someone in a position of power or influence.
A person who makes excessive or unfair profit, especially by exploiting a crisis or other people's hardship.
"The investigation identified several companies accused of acting as profiteers during the crisis."
Normally disapproving; the word implies that the profit is excessive, unfair, or obtained through exploitation.
To make excessive or unfair profit, especially by exploiting a crisis or other people's hardship.
"Several retailers were accused of profiteering during the emergency."
Usually disapproving and commonly encountered in the form “profiteering.”
The usual plural form for people accused of making excessive or unfair profit.
"The report named some profiteers who had exploited shortages during the crisis."
A profiteer does not merely profit; they profit from someone else's hardship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does profiteer come from?
The word entered English through French forms associated with profit, ultimately from Latin profectus, a past participle related to proficio, meaning “to advance, accomplish, or prosper.” English initially used it more generally for making a gain, while the modern sense focused on excessive or unfair profit developed as the word became strongly disapproving. Its relatives include profit, profitable, proficient, and proficiency.
Related word forms
How profiteer is actually used
The word is usually disapproving and suggests that the profit is excessive, unfair, or obtained by exploiting a crisis or vulnerable people. The verb is often used in the form “profiteering.”
Easily confused with profiteer
Profit is the gain or benefit obtained from a transaction, whereas a profiteer is a person who obtains profit, especially in an excessive or unfair way.