for-profit

UK: fɔː-ˈprɒfɪt | US: fɔːr-ˈprɑːfɪt

Definition

  1. adj. operating with the primary goal of making financial profit (contrasted with non-profit)

  2. n. an organization or enterprise that aims to generate profit

Structure
for <in favor of>profit <financial gain>
Etymology

The term "for-profit" combines the preposition "for" (indicating purpose or benefit) with "profit" (from Latin profectus, meaning "progress, increase"). The compound emerged in the 20th century to explicitly distinguish profit-driven entities from non-profit organizations. The logic is transparent: "for" signals intent, while "profit" defines the objective. This contrasts with older terms like "commercial," which lack the explicit purpose implied by the "for-" prefix.

Examples

  1. She works at a for-profit university focused on vocational training.

  2. Critics argue that for-profit healthcare prioritizes revenue over patient care.

  3. The company transitioned from non-profit to for-profit status in 2015.

  4. For-profit prisons are controversial due to potential conflicts of interest.

  5. Investors prefer for-profit ventures because of their revenue-generating potential.