B2nounbusinessmoney
US/ˈprɑː.fɪt/
UK/ˈprɒf.ɪt/
money you make in business after you have paid all your costs
In context
The bakery made a small profit in its first year, which surprised everyone.
The airline's profits fell sharply because fuel became so expensive.
They sold the apartment at a profit after prices in the area doubled.
Words that go with profit
verb + noun
- make a profitFew new restaurants make a profit in their first year.
- boost profitsCutting energy use helped the hotel boost profits.
noun + preposition
- at a profitHe buys old motorbikes and sells them at a profit.
adjective + noun
- net profitNet profit rose by twelve percent compared with last year.
noun + noun
- profit marginSupermarkets work with a very small profit margin.
- record profitsThe bank announced record profits despite the slow economy.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The company earned a big benefit.Correct: The company made a big profit.