nonprofit

American  

[non-prof-it] / nɒnˈprɒf ɪt /

adjective

1. not established for the purpose of making a profit; not entered into for money.

   a nonprofit institution.

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noun

1. a nonprofit organization, institution, corporation, or other entity.

nonprofit British  

/ nɒnˈprɒfɪt /

adjective

1. another word for non-profit-making

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noun

1. an organization that is not intended to make a profit

Etymology

Origin of nonprofit

First recorded in 1900–05; non- + profit

Compare meaning

How does nonprofit compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• nonprofit vs. not-for-profit
• for-profit vs. nonprofit

Example Sentences

The second draft law, called the Energy Freedom Act, was produced by the policy nonprofit associated with Hild’s organization.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Berkeley enacted a similar measure in 2024, which was expected to bring in up to $4 million in its first year, according to nonprofit news site Berkeleyside.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

If I do return, I would likely seek work in a church, nonprofit, or municipal role.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

If I do return, I would likely seek work in a church, nonprofit or municipal role.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Before going to law school, he’d worked in Chicago for three years as a community organizer, earning $12,000 a year from a nonprofit that bound together a coalition of churches.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• unsuccessful
• worthless