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.

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Etymology

Origin of profiteering

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

Example Sentences

Others have pointed to putative profiteering by cattle ranchers, whose profits per animal have spiraled higher, even as many have pared the size of their herds.

From Los Angeles Times

The Newcastle United Supporters' Trust previously "welcomed" the club "taking visible action to deter and penalise those who may be profiteering from other fans".

From BBC

His new strain is where the episode’s title come from and is a manifestation of corporate greed, tragedy profiteering, and empty signaling from brands.

From Salon

Advocates call out people they see as hoarding matcha or profiteering from its popularity.

From BBC

"People were saying it was all my fault," she says, with many comments accusing her of profiteering from her son's illness by continuing to post content on social media.

From BBC

Related Words

• crooked
• fraudulent
• nefarious
• rotten
• shady
• unethical
• unscrupulous
• untrustworthy
• venal