Profitable

Definition

Profitable describes a venture, activity, or product that yields a financial profit or benefit.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɑfɪtəbəl/
• Respelling: PRAHF-it-uh-buhl (with "PRAHF" as in "cough," "it" as in "sit," and "uh-buhl" as in "bubble")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɒfɪtəbəl/
• Respelling: PROF-it-uh-buhl (with "PROF" as in "cot," "it" as in "sit," and "uh-buhl" as in "bubble")

In both dialects, "profitable" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. The American pronunciation uses a slightly more open 'ah' sound in "PRAHF," whereas the British pronunciation uses a more rounded 'o' sound in "PROF." Both emphasize the first syllable clearly.

Etymology

The term "profitable" comes from "profit", which is derived from the Old French "profit" or "benefit", and from Latin "profectus" meaning "advance" or "progress". The suffix "-able" denotes a condition or quality, indicating the potential to produce profit.

Derivatives

• Profitability
• Unprofitable
• Profitably
• Profitableness
• Non-profitable

Synonyms

• Lucrative
• Remunerative
• Beneficial

Antonyms

• Unprofitable
• Non-lucrative
• Loss-making

Usage

"Profitable" is frequently used in business and investment contexts to describe ventures, strategies, or products that yield a positive return on investment or add to one's financial wealth.

Related Terms

• Profit
• Profit margin
• Profit-and-loss

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Yielding Financial Gain: Producing or yielding financial profit or gain.
• Example: Investing in renewable energy has become increasingly profitable.

• Beneficial in Other Ways: Producing beneficial results other than monetary gain; advantageous.
• Example: Spending time on self-care proved to be a profitable endeavor for his mental health.

• Yielding Positive Returns: Giving or bringing advantage or benefit; resulting in positive outcomes.
• Example: It's a profitable partnership that has helped both companies grow.