profit motive

American  

noun

1. the desire for profit that motivates one to engage in business ventures.

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profit motive Cultural  

1. The ability to earn profits as the reason for producers to make and sell goods.

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The profit motive is often called a great good or a great evil in society. On the one hand, it is said to represent selfishness; on the other, it is said to drive the free market system. (See invisible hand.)

Etymology

Origin of profit motive

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Sir Martyn says this "strong profit motive... bends the system out of shape".

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

It began as a nonprofit research lab because its founders didn’t think artificial intelligence should be pioneered by commercial firms, which are driven overwhelmingly by the profit motive.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2023

The profit motive worked particularly well on the Santa Monica Freeway.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2023

Then, I would contact them with an offer of personalized emotional care and affirmative conversation with no profit motive.

From Slate • Oct. 28, 2023

It added a profit motive to whatever else motivated the mysterious saboteur.

From The Scarlet Lake Mystery by Goodwin, Harold L. (Harold Leland)