profiteering

American  

[pro-fi-teer-ing] / ˌprɒ fɪˈtɪər ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or practice of seeking exorbitant profits, especially through the sale of scarce or rationed goods.

   The companies who raised prices before, during, or after the hurricane were charged with profiteering.

---

Etymology

Origin of profiteering

First recorded in 1810–15; profit ( def. ) + -eer ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

In February, The Guardian reported that the UK children's homes minister, Josh MacAlister, said he wanted to cap providers' profits if profiteering continues.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

This is not the first time that Gilead has been accused of profiteering.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

People appear to have been profiteering on the prediction-market website Polymarket as well, beginning with Trump’s military operation in Venezuela.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

Allegations of profiteering have accompanied it from the start.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

“Are you silently condemning me for profiteering from the war? Somebody had to import the stockfish, you know.”

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• crooked
• fraudulent
• nefarious
• rotten
• shady
• unethical
• unscrupulous
• untrustworthy
• venal