profitable

[prof-i-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. yielding profit; remunerative.

   a profitable deal.

2. beneficial or useful.

   Synonyms: helpful, valuable, advantageous

profitable

/ ˈprɒfɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. affording gain, benefit, or profit

Other Word Forms

• profitableness noun
• profitably adverb
• profitability noun
• nonprofitability noun
• nonprofitable adjective
• nonprofitablely adverb
• nonprofitableness noun
• subprofitable adjective
• subprofitableness noun
• subprofitably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of profitable¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English; profit + -able

Example Sentences

Defra said it was working with farmers to build a more profitable farming system by focusing on food production "in an uncertain world".

From BBC

It also can be intentionally released if pressure in the system poses a safety risk or if capturing and transporting it to be sold is not profitable.

From Salon

At other times, the response to re-releases can dictate to studio heads and theater executives what movies are going to be profitable and why.

From Salon

The 500-year-old firm is making attempts to modernise, shifting its focus to more profitable parcel deliveries.

From BBC

In regions like Spain and Portugal, a rising number of young people are relocating to cities in search of more profitable employment.

From BBC

Related Words

• beneficial 
• commercial 
• cost-effective 
• effective 
• fruitful 
• good 
• lucrative 
• practical 
• productive 
• rewarding 
• successful 
• useful 
• valuable 
• worthwhile