lucrative

[ loo-kruh-tiv ]

adjective

1. profitable; moneymaking; remunerative:

   a lucrative business.

lucrative

/ ˈluːkrətɪv /

adjective

1. producing a profit; profitable; remunerative

Derived Forms

• ˈlucrativeness, noun
• ˈlucratively, adverb

Other Words From

• lucra·tive·ly adverb
• lucra·tive·ness noun
• non·lucra·tive adjective
• non·lucra·tive·ly adverb
• non·lucra·tive·ness noun
• un·lucra·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucrative¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English lucratif, from Middle French, from Latin lucrātīvus “gainful,” from lucrāt(us) “profited” (past participle of lucrārī “to make a profit, gain by economy”; lucre ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucrative¹

C15: from Old French lucratif; see lucre

Example Sentences

With Rife heading off a lucrative year and into his Stay Golden Tour, it’s clear that for him, comedy has become much more.

From Los Angeles Times

As we hurtle towards Mariah Carey's most lucrative holiday, families all over the UK will be pressing play on Christmas films such as Love Actually to get themselves into the festive spirit.

From BBC

The University of Florida had lured the senator with an unusual $10 million, five-year contract, possibly the most lucrative ever for a public university president.

From New York Times

“Money” Mayweather, always the capitalist, seized on the opportunity to make lucrative paydays by exploiting the racism that fueled the desire for his downfall.

From Salon

Illegal mining is a lucrative business across many of South Africa's mining towns.

From BBC

Related Words

• advantageous
• cost effective
• fruitful
• good
• money-making
• profitable
• worthwhile