lucrative
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- lucratively adverb
- lucrativeness noun
- nonlucrative adjective
- nonlucratively adverb
- nonlucrativeness noun
- unlucrative adjective
Etymology
Origin of lucrative
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English lucratif, from Middle French, from Latin lucrātīvus “gainful,” from lucrāt(us) “profited” (past participle of lucrārī “to make a profit, gain by economy”; lucre ) + -īvus -ive
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.
Nike provided a disappointing sales outlook, and the quick harsh reaction in the stock market might be laying the groundwork for a lucrative long-term investment.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
But even that might not stop the worry entirely, since banks have lucrative fee streams from the whole private-lending complex.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
The Bottom Line: While the Middle East has emerged as a lucrative market for many tech companies in recent years, the Americas remains their biggest source of revenue.
From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026
It’s not as lucrative but, to me, a more fun show to do.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
Lawrence’s relationship with the patent bureaucracy would never be particularly comfortable or, for that matter, lucrative.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
