profit

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountablebusiness

   Money gained when the amount earned is more than the amount spent.

   Grammar: Uncountable in general (make a profit is also common); plural for amounts: quarterly profits.

   Patterns

   • make a profit
   • a profit of $500
   • profit from something

   The shop made a small profit in its first year.

   Profits fell sharply after the price increase.

2. 2noununcountableformal

   A benefit or advantage gained from something, not necessarily money.

   Grammar: No plural; often followed by from.

   Patterns

   • profit from something

   There is little profit in arguing.

   She read the report with great profit.

3. 3verbintransitive

   To gain money or another benefit from something.

   Grammar: No object; used with from: she profited from the sale.

   Patterns

   • profit from something
   • profit by something

   Farmers profited from the good harvest.

   Students profit from regular practice.

Word forms

Common combinations

make a profit

They made a profit on the sale.

net profit

Net profit rose by ten percent.

profit margin

The profit margin is very thin.

turn a profit

The startup finally turned a profit.

profit from

He profited from the rise in prices.

Synonyms and how they differ

gain

Gain is broader and fits any increase, not only money from business.

earnings

Earnings often means income, which may or may not be left after costs.

benefit

Benefit is any advantage and is rarely about money alone.

return

Return means money earned from an investment.

Opposites

Word family

profitable adjective

producing profit

profitability noun

the ability to make a profit

unprofitable adjective

not making money

profiteer noun

a person who makes unfair profits

Commonly confused: profit or prophet?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “profit”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words