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:
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The government vowed to crack down on profiteers who exploited the crisis.
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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:
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Some companies were accused of trying to profiteer from the pandemic.
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It is unethical to profiteer during times of scarcity.