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Synonyms

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.


noun

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

nonprofit British  
/ nɒnˈprɒfɪt /

adjective

  1. another word for non-profit-making

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of nonprofit

First recorded in 1900–05; non- + profit

Compare meaning

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Explanation

A business or organization is nonprofit if its main purpose isn't making money for its owners. Nonprofit companies usually raise money for charities. You can use the word nonprofit as an adjective or a noun — a nonprofit is an organization that benefits some public good, rather than raising revenue for stockholders or owners. There are educational nonprofits, religious nonprofits, public health nonprofits, and many others. The word's been around since the 1920s, combining non, or "not," with profit, from the Latin root profectus, "advance, increase, success, or progress."

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Vocabulary lists containing nonprofit

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.

The Senior Citizens League, an independent nonprofit, puts the figure lower, at 2.8%.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Much of that money has been routed through a nonprofit judicial advocacy group Leo founded — now called The 85 Fund — which both receives and disseminates Leo’s funding.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

His nonprofit is one of dozens that make up the Eaton Fire Collaborative, helping to provide residents with an array of resources they need to move forward, including case management and financial support.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

But I didn't think I was ready to take on the responsibilities of running a nonprofit law office.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson