Profiteered

To have engaged in profiteering; the act of making an excessive profit, often through unethical means, especially during times of crisis or scarcity. This typically involves exploiting a demand, perhaps artificially created or naturally occurring, to charge inflated prices for goods or services. The motivation is almost solely financial gain, often at the expense of others and frequently with disregard for societal well-being. This can be seen during wars, natural disasters, or periods of economic instability. The profits are often seen as undeserved and exploitative.

Profiteered meaning with examples

• During the hurricane aftermath, some unscrupulous vendors profiteered by drastically inflating the prices of bottled water and generators, leaving vulnerable people struggling to afford basic necessities. Their actions were widely condemned.
• The pharmaceutical company was accused of **profiteering** by raising the price of a life-saving medication dramatically after acquiring the rights to its production, effectively pricing many patients out of access.
• After the sudden spike in demand, several online retailers profiteered by reselling graphics cards at several times their original price. These actions were often at the expense of gamers and enthusiasts.
• During the initial panic of the pandemic, certain businesses profiteered by selling face masks and hand sanitizer at grossly inflated prices, capitalizing on public fear and the shortage of supplies.
• The government investigated reports that certain contractors profiteered from providing essential services following the devastating earthquake, delivering substandard work at inflated rates.