for-profit

adjective

for-prof·​it ˈfȯr-ˈprä-fət 

: established, maintained, or conducted for the purpose of making a profit

for-profit businesses

Examples of for-profit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 1,400-bed facility will be located at the former Rivers Correctional Institute, a for-profit prison that closed in 2021. — Noah Vinsky july 25, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026

Enrollment at private nonprofit and private for-profit 4-year institutions, meanwhile, was essentially unchanged, according to the website. — Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Although San Jose does not restrict collection box permits to nonprofits, state law requires operators to clearly label whether the box is run by a for-profit or nonprofit organization. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

While these are modern requirements in the for-profit space, nonprofits are not immune to the same expectations, as consumer behavior demands instant gratification. — Catherine Lacour, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for for-profit

• nonprofit
• profit
• prophet
• soffit

Kids Definition

for-profit

adjective

for-prof·​it

ˈfȯr-ˈpräf-ət

: existing or carried on for the purpose of making a profit

for-profit business