What does profiteering mean?
Profiteering denotes the making of an excessive or unfairly large profit, particularly by exploiting a shortage, crisis, or urgent need. Its force is mainly critical: saying that someone is profiteering suggests that their gain is not merely commercially successful but ethically objectionable. The accusation commonly appears in arguments about businesses raising essential goods' prices during shortages, companies profiting from wartime demand, or public officials benefiting from a crisis. As a noun, “profiteering” names this practice and is normally used as an uncountable concept. As a verb, “to profiteer” describes the activity itself. The word is related to “profit” and “profitable,” but it is more specific and more strongly evaluative: ordinary profit is a legitimate business return, whereas profiteering suggests an improper exploitation of circumstances. Consequently, the term is especially common in journalism, political debate, and public criticism rather than neutral business discussion.
The practice of making an excessive or unfairly large profit, especially by exploiting shortages, crises, or people's necessities.
"The report alleged widespread profiteering during the food shortage."
Normally uncountable and strongly critical in tone.
To make an excessive or unfair profit by taking advantage of a shortage, crisis, or urgent need.
"Several suppliers were accused of profiteering while essential goods were scarce."
Usually used in an accusatory or critical context.
Rare; the noun is normally uncountable.
"The hearings documented separate instances of profiteerings across several regions."
“Profiteering” condemns not only the windfall, but the suspicion that someone treated a crisis as a business opportunity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does profiteering come from?
“Profiteering” developed from “profiteer,” a person who makes a profit, by adding the suffix “-ing.” “Profiteer” in turn combines “profit” with the suffix “-eer,” which can form a noun denoting a person who performs a specified activity. “Profit” came through Old French from Latin “profectus,” meaning gain or advance and ultimately relating to the idea of progressing or benefiting.
Related word forms
How profiteering is actually used
The term is strongly critical and usually implies moral blame. It is especially associated with accusations of exploiting war, scarcity, inflation, or public need, but it can also be used more broadly in political and economic commentary.
Easily confused with profiteering
A profit is income or gain from a transaction, while profiteering specifically suggests making an excessive or unfair profit, usually in circumstances that allow exploitation.