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profit
/ˈpɹɒfɪt/
financial gain
The company's profits increased by 15% this quarter.
The company earned 15% more money than last quarter.
BusinessFinance
formal
Money gained from a business activity after deducting costs.
After selling all inventory, the shop recorded a profit of $5,000.
The shop made $5,000 more than it spent on goods.
Opposite of 'loss'. Often used in accounting and business reports.
formal
To benefit or gain an advantage from something.
She profited from her investment in stocks.
She gained money from her stock investment.
Commonly used in financial contexts but also figurative (e.g., 'profit from experience').
Collocations
net profitprofit after all expenses and taxesgross profitprofit before deducting expensesprofit marginratio of profit to revenuemake a profitto earn money from business activities
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Profit vs. Revenue
Revenue is total income before expenses; profit is what remains after subtracting costs. Example: Revenue = $100,000, Expenses = $70,000 → Profit = $30,000.
Gold Rule
Calculate Profit Correctly
Always subtract ALL costs (materials, labor, taxes) from total income to determine profit. Never confuse with 'gross profit' (after direct costs) or 'net profit' (after all expenses).
Word Origin
From Old French 'profit' (noun) and 'profiter' (verb), derived from Latin 'profectus' (advance, progress), from 'proficere' (to accomplish), from 'pro-' (forward) + 'facere' (to do).
Usage Notes
In business, 'profit' is distinct from 'revenue' (total income) and 'income' (personal earnings). Always used with financial contexts unless figurative (e.g., 'profit from a lesson').
Word Breakdown
pro-
forward, in favor of
prefix-fit
made, done
root (from Latin 'facere')English Dictionary