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.

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Etymology

Origin of profiteering

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

Example Sentences

Gemma said many customers wrongly assume garages are profiteering.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

"We are reasonably responsible but the ones who are not responsible, the ones who are profiteering off it, are the airports," he told the daily.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

"Music festivals should be places where all communities feel welcome, not venues that platform individuals with records of profiteering from antisemitism, racism and other repulsive views."

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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