profitable
word
/ˈpɹɑfətəbəɫ/
PRAHF-i-tuh-buhl
/pɹˈɒfɪtəbəl/
PROF-i-tuh-buhl
Definition
Describes something that makes more money or benefit than it costs—usually a business, activity, or investment.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in business, investments, and economics. Pairs often with 'business', 'venture', or 'deal' (e.g., 'profitable business'). Not used for describing people. Formal and neutral register.
Spanish: rentable - lucrativoPortuguese (BR): lucrativo - rentávelPortuguese (PT): lucrativo - rentávelChinese (Simplified): 有利可图的 - 盈利的Chinese (Traditional): 有利可圖的 - 盈利的Hindi: लाभकारीArabic: مربحBengali: লাভজনকRussian: прибыльныйJapanese: 利益がある - 採算が取れるVietnamese: có lãi - sinh lợiKorean: 수익성 있는 - 이익이 되는Turkish: kârlıUrdu: منافع بخشIndonesian: menguntungkan
Example Sentences
The company had a profitable year.
basic
Selling homemade crafts can be profitable.
basic
They want to find a more profitable way to use the land.
basic
That wasn't a very profitable investment, was it?
natural
Some of the most profitable companies started in a garage.
natural
If it's not profitable, it's just a hobby.
natural