profitable

adjective

prof·​it·​able ˈprä-fə-tə-bəl How to pronounce profitable (audio)
ˈpräf-tə-bəl
Synonyms of profitablenext
: affording profits : yielding advantageous returns or results
profitability noun
profitableness noun
profitably adverb

Examples of profitable in a Sentence

The movie was very profitable. selling real estate on the side turned out to be a profitable venture for the stay-at-home mom
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The crux of our thesis is that FedEx’s self-help initiatives to optimize its delivery network and prioritize more profitable deliveries, such as specialized health-care parcels, will result in impressive earnings and free cash flow growth. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 21 June 2026 This shift reflects oil majors seeking attractive returns amidst lower renewable margins, intense competition, and investor demands for profitability over pure capacity, opting for profitable integration rather than wholesale conversion. Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 This is profitable for the industry but not for your wellness. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026 As mentioned, if the Heat pivot to cap space, then a multiyear deal for Norman would be less likely, and, at 33, Norman probably recognizes this as a last chance for a profitable multiyear deal. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for profitable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profitable was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Profitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profitable. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

profitable

adjective
prof·​it·​able ˈpräf-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce profitable (audio)
ˈpräf-tə-bəl
: producing profit
profitably adverb

Legal Definition

profitable

adjective
prof·​it·​able ˈprä-fə-tə-bəl How to pronounce profitable (audio)
: affording profits : yielding advantageous returns or results
profitability noun
profitableness noun
profitably adverb

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