profiteering

noun

prof·​i·​teer·​ing ˌprä-fə-ˈtir-iŋ How to pronounce profiteering (audio)
: the act or activity of making an unreasonable profit on the sale of essential goods especially during times of emergency
… investigations unearthed information about industrial profiteering during the First World War …Thomas E. Ricks
The real estate culture in Florida had pushed profiteering to new levels, in large part because of its condominium economy.Paul Reyes

Examples of profiteering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His profiteering has drawn criticism from even the traditionally conservative editorial boards at the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, as well as the broader American populace. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 2 July 2026 Meanwhile, the country’s bankrupt government has struggled to crack down on unfair and illicit profiteering and the hoarding of fuel and other essential items. Malak Harb, Fortune, 15 May 2026 The penalty mechanism was designed to prevent exactly that kind of profiteering, and backing down under industry pressure undermines the law voters and legislators put in place. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 6 May 2026 In the wrong hands, connections like that can lead to cronyism and profiteering — and there were times when Gray’s relationships came under fire. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profiteering

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profiteering was in 1814

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Cite this Entry

“Profiteering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiteering. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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