/ ˈprɒfɪtəbl; NAmE ˈprɑːf-/ adjective
1.
that makes or is likely to make money :
a highly profitable business
It is usually more profitable to sell direct to the public.
➡ note at successful
2.
that gives sb an advantage or a useful result
SYN rewarding :
She spent a profitable afternoon in the library.
► prof·it·abil·ity / ˌprɒfɪtəˈbɪləti; NAmE ˌprɑːf-/ noun [ U ]:
to increase profitability
► prof·it·ably / -əbli; NAmE / adverb :
to run a business profitably
He spent the weekend profitably.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French , from the verb profiter , from Latin profectus progress, profit, from proficere to advance, from pro- on behalf of + facere do.