Word
profitability
Phoneticsprof·itabil·i·ty
US/ˌpɹɑfɪtəˈbɪɫɪti/
UK/pɹˌɒfɪtəbˈɪlɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the ability of a business to make more money than it spends. It shows how successful a company is at turning its work into profit.
n. the degree to which a business or activity yields financial gain after all expenses are deducted. Often used as a metric to evaluate the efficiency and long-term viability of an enterprise.
Examples
“The company is focusing on long-term profitability rather than quick sales.”
“Rising energy costs have significantly impacted the profitability of local manufacturing firms this quarter.”
“While the startup achieved impressive user growth in its first year, investors remain concerned about its path to profitability given the high cost of customer acquisition.”
Examples
simple
“The company is focusing on long-term profitability rather than quick sales.”
contextual
“Rising energy costs have significantly impacted the profitability of local manufacturing firms this quarter.”
complex
“While the startup achieved impressive user growth in its first year, investors remain concerned about its path to profitability given the high cost of customer acquisition.”
Usage
Uncountable in its general sense; occasionally used as a countable noun when comparing different profit-making models or sectors.
Real-World Examples
“Research has also found that companies with more ethnic and cultural diversity on their executive teams are more likely to outperform on profitability.” “However, by giving bosses complete control over such decisions, we are in danger of affirming the importance of profitability over well-being and ignoring the needs of working parents.” Etymology
From profitable + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/profitability