English Reference
noun · adjective

nonprofit

n. · adj.
US /nɑnˈpɹɑfət/ non·prof·it

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a group or company that uses its money to help people or support a cause instead of making a profit for owners.

    n.an organization established for purposes other than generating profit, typically focused on charitable, educational, or social services.

    Simple

    She left her corporate job to work for a local nonprofit that helps homeless families.

    In context

    The nonprofit relies heavily on private donations and government grants to sustain its community outreach programmes throughout the fiscal year.

    Usage

    Often used as a countable noun in American English; British English speakers frequently prefer 'charity'.

    corporationfor profit
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing a group or activity that is not intended to make a financial gain.

    adj.not established or maintained for the purpose of making a profit.

    Simple

    The hospital is a nonprofit institution that serves everyone in the city.

    In context

    The university operates as a nonprofit entity, reinvesting all tuition revenue into research facilities and student scholarships.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

    not for profitcharitable
    commercialfor profit

Usage nonprofit organization

Tim Errington, chief research officer at the Center for Open Science , a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, hopes so .

Smithsonian Magazine· 17 Aug 2026

This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News , a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment.

Ars Technica· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated