Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

profiteer

Noun
/ˌprɒf.ɪˈtɪr/
Definition
A person or organization that seeks to make excessive profits, often at the expense of others, typically during a crisis.
Examples
  • During the war, many businesses became profiteers by inflating prices on essential goods.
  • The government cracked down on profiteers to protect consumers during the economic downturn.
Meaning
Profiteers take advantage of a situation, typically economic hardship or crisis, to maximize their profits, often by charging unfair prices for goods or services.
Synonyms
  • Exploiter
  • Shark
  • Gouger
  • Speculator
  • Capitalist