Meaning of the word profiteer in English

What does profiteer mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

profiteer

US /ˌprɑː.fəˈtɪr/
UK /ˌprɒf.ɪˈtɪər/

Noun

a person who makes excessive or unfair profits, especially during a time of war or emergency

Example:
The government vowed to crack down on profiteers who exploited the crisis.
During the war, many unscrupulous individuals became wealthy as profiteers.

Verb

to make or seek to make excessive or unfair profits, especially during a time of war or emergency

Example:
Some companies were accused of trying to profiteer from the pandemic.
It is unethical to profiteer during times of scarcity.