Word
profitably
Phoneticsprof·itably
US/ˈpɹɑfətəbɫi/
UK/pɹˈɒfɪtəbli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that makes money or provides a useful benefit. You use this to describe doing something that results in a gain, whether it is cash or knowledge.
adv. in a manner that yields a financial profit or a beneficial outcome. Often describes the efficient use of time or resources to achieve a positive result.
Examples
“She invested her savings profitably in the stock market.”
“The company managed to operate profitably even during the first year of the economic downturn.”
“The afternoon was spent profitably in the archives, where the researcher uncovered several primary documents that fundamentally altered the direction of her thesis.”
Examples
simple
“She invested her savings profitably in the stock market.”
contextual
“The company managed to operate profitably even during the first year of the economic downturn.”
complex
“The afternoon was spent profitably in the archives, where the researcher uncovered several primary documents that fundamentally altered the direction of her thesis.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “profitably” in context.
Verb
01. employ profitably
“The afternoon was profitably employed in organizing the archives.”
verb + adv
02. invest profitably
“The company is looking for new ways to invest its surplus capital profitably.”
verb + adv
03. operate profitably
“Many small businesses struggle to operate profitably during their first year.”
verb + adv
04. run profitably
“The state-owned airline needs to be run more profitably to avoid further subsidies.”
verb + adv
05. spend profitably
“Time in the library can be spent profitably by researching your thesis topic.”
verb + adv
06. trade profitably
“The firm has managed to trade profitably despite the global economic downturn.”
verb + adv
07. be more profitably spent
“Your energy would be more profitably spent on solving the problem than complaining.”
08. return to operating profitably
“The restructuring plan aims to help the factory return to operating profitably.”
09. use time profitably
“Students are encouraged to use their study breaks profitably.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.
Etymology
From profitable + -ly.
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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