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Showing results for "profiteering"
Synonyms

profiteering

American  
[pro-fi-teer-ing] / ˌprɒ fɪˈtɪər ɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act or practice of seeking exorbitant profits, especially through the sale of scarce or rationed goods.

    The companies who raised prices before, during, or after the hurricane were charged with profiteering.


Etymology

Origin of profiteering

First recorded in 1810–15; profit ( def. ) + -eer ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“Because of this, charging inflated prices on necessities is considered price gouging and profiteering against vulnerable incarcerated population who have no ability to refuse or shop elsewhere.”

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 1, 2026

Company leaders were wary, worried about safety, failure and accusations of profiteering.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 26, 2026

The probe comes amid growing concerns over profiteering on Kalshi and Polymarket, which allow users to bet on elections, sports games, weather events, and government actions.

From Barron's May 22, 2026

Gemma said many customers wrongly assume garages are profiteering.

From BBC May 16, 2026

My profiteering shopkeepers will be useless for this task.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

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