profiteer

noun

prof·​i·​teer ˌprä-fə-ˈtir How to pronounce profiteer (audio)
: one who makes what is considered an unreasonable profit especially on the sale of essential goods during times of emergency
profiteer intransitive verb

Examples of profiteer in a Sentence

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.
Artificial intelligence is billed by its profiteers as a new frontier for technology and humanity, but generative AI often perpetuates existing social harms. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025 And until that changes, the answer to the only question that matters — who benefits? — will stay the same: not the flesh-and-blood people who make the work possible, but the corporations and startup profiteers who cash in on the churn. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025 In other words, and despite the protests of addiction profiteers, they are squarely aimed at getting young people hooked. Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025 In practice, the fund is becoming a feeding frenzy for Wall Street profiteers and trial attorneys, eating away at public dollars intended for recovery. Adam Kovacevich, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profiteer

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profiteer was in 1912

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Cite this Entry

“Profiteer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiteer. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

profiteer

noun
prof·​i·​teer ˌpräf-ə-ˈti(ə)r How to pronounce profiteer (audio)
: a person who makes an unfair profit especially on essential goods during an emergency
profiteer verb

Legal Definition

profiteer

noun
prof·​i·​teer ˌprä-fə-ˈtir How to pronounce profiteer (audio)
: one who makes an unreasonable profit especially on the sale of essential goods during times of emergency (as during wartime)
profiteer intransitive verb

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