# profitably

/ˈpɹɑfətəbɫi/ (US) · /pɹˈɒfɪtəbli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/profitably
Updated: 2026-10-12

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.