profiteering
profiteering Lexical Profile
profiteering Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The practice of making or seeking to make an excessive or unfair profit, especially by charging exorbitant prices for essential goods during a crisis or shortage.
"Consumer protection agencies launched an investigation into alleged price-fixing and profiteering during the energy crisis."
• verb
To make or seek to make an excessive or unfair profit, especially through the unethical sale of scarce or essential goods (present participle of profiteer).
"Several unscrupulous vendors were caught profiteering from the sudden shortage of medical supplies."
• adjective
Seeking or making excessive, unfair profits, especially by exploiting a crisis or shortage.
"The regulatory board levied heavy fines against the profiteering landlords who doubled rents after the flood."
• Rhymes for profiteering
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 18th century from 'profit' and the suffix '-eer' (by analogy with 'privateer'), the term gained widespread currency during World War I to condemn merchants who exploited wartime shortages.