profitable
/ˈprɒf.ɪ.tə.bəl/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Profitable means making money or bringing a good financial result. It can also mean giving a useful advantage or benefit.
- The shop became profitable after six months.
- This training can be profitable for your career.
Adinary Nuance
Profitable is stronger and more specific than useful or helpful because it usually suggests money or clear gain. It is often used in business, finance, and work contexts. Something can be useful without being profitable. If you mean a good return, profitable is the right choice.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- có lợi nhuận
- Spanish
- rentable
- Chinese
- 有利可图
- Japanese
- 採算が取れる
- Korean
- 수익성 있는
Etymology
Profitable came into English from Old French profitable, based on Latin proficere, meaning “to make progress” or “to be useful.” It has been used in English since the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
profitable businessprofitable investmentprofitable ventureprofitable deal
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is profitable the same as useful?
- Not exactly. Useful means it helps you, while profitable usually means it makes money or gives clear gain.
- Is profitable formal or informal?
- It is neutral, but it is common in business and academic writing.
- Can I say a profitable idea?
- Yes, if the idea can bring money or real benefit. It sounds natural in business contexts.