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 new board would consist of the CEO of the Chicago Medical Society and a consultant for the current owner, American Healthcare Systems, a for-profit company. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026

Then, one after another, states struck bargains to grant for-profit companies a monopoly over electricity delivery in exchange for state oversight. — John Farrell, Time, 9 Nov. 2026

LifeFlight of Maine is a nonprofit, unlike much of the industry, which is dominated by for-profit businesses with reputations for charging exorbitant prices. — Elaine Appleton-Grant, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026

Bishopp has also called for a moratorium on new for-profit charter schools, free meals for all public school students and increased per-pupil spending and funding for special needs programs. — Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 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