Being profitable is spelled /ˈbiːɪŋ ˈprɒfɪtəbl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "bee-ing" with a long "e" sound followed by a schwa sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "prof-i-tuh-bul" with the emphasis on the second syllable. The letter "a" in "profitable" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, like "ah", followed by a "ble" sound. Being profitable means having a financial gain or making a profit in business.
Being profitable refers to the state or condition of a business or an activity generating more income or financial gain than its expenses or costs. It implies that a venture or enterprise is successful in generating profits, making it a financially beneficial and advantageous endeavor.
To be considered profitable, the revenue earned from the sale of goods or services must exceed the direct and indirect costs involved in the production, operation, and management of a business. These costs can include expenses related to raw materials, labor, marketing, administration, and other overhead costs.
Profitability is a vital aspect of running a sustainable and thriving business. It enables companies to cover their costs, reinvest in the business, expand operations, pay dividends to shareholders, reward employees, and attract potential investors. The level of profitability can vary between industries and businesses, and it is often measured by key financial indicators such as profit margins, return on investment (ROI), or earnings per share (EPS).
Being profitable not only indicates financial success but also reflects effective management, careful planning, market competitiveness, and the ability to understand and fulfill customer demands. It is an essential goal that all businesses aim to achieve in order to attain stability, growth, and long-term sustainability in a highly competitive marketplace.
The word "profitable" originates from the Old French word "profitable" which meant "advantageous" or "useful". It was derived from the Latin word "profitabilis" which also meant "profitable" or "gainful". The Latin term was a combination of "pro" meaning "forward" or "in favor of" and "utilis" meaning "useful" or "profitable". Overall, the etymology of "being profitable" reflects the concept of gaining advantage or usefulness.