Lucrative: Definition and Synonyms
lucrative – Definition and Part of Speech
The adjective “lucrative” describes something that generates a substantial amount of profit or financial gain. It often applies to jobs, businesses, investments, or opportunities considered highly profitable.
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Grammatical Forms: There are no alternative grammatical forms for the word “lucrative.”
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Below is a table listing main synonyms for “lucrative,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and their typical styles or registers.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profitable | Suggests the potential to earn a significant profit. Often used in business contexts. | “The tech start-up proved to be highly profitable within its first year.” | Business/Formal |
| Gainful | Emphasizes financial benefits, sometimes implying employment or occupation-related earnings. | “She found gainful work as an artist, making enough to support herself comfortably.” | Informal/Colloquial |
| Remunerative | Highlights adequate compensation for effort or investment. | “The consulting position was quite remunerative, offering both salary and benefits.” | Formal/Academic |
| Paying | Simplest form suggesting earning or yielding returns. Often used informally. | “Teaching English abroad can be a very paying job if you’re flexible with locations.” | Casual/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Profitable: This is a versatile synonym often employed in business and economic contexts to describe ventures, investments, or enterprises that yield substantial profits. It’s suitable for formal documents like financial reports or market analysis articles.
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Gainful: Typically used to refer to employment or activities providing satisfactory financial rewards. This term might be more personal or relatable when discussing jobs or side hustles in a conversational setting.
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Remunerative: Best reserved for academic writing, business proposals, or discussions involving detailed compensation structures. It carries a formal tone and is appropriate where specificity about financial reward is necessary.
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Paying: A colloquial synonym used to describe any activity or job that generates sufficient income. Ideal for casual conversation or when discussing various income opportunities in an informal context.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake learners might make is using “lucrative” interchangeably with words like “profitable,” without considering subtle differences in nuance or context. While all these terms are related to financial gain, they carry specific connotations that may affect their appropriateness depending on the situation.
Additionally, it’s important not to confuse “gainful” (employment-related) with “generous” or similar words which refer to abundance rather than monetary return.
Final Recap
The synonyms for “lucrative” include:
- Profitable: Suitable for formal business contexts.
- Gainful: Often used in casual conversations about jobs or income-generating activities.
- Remunerative: Best for academic and detailed financial discussions.
- Paying: Ideal for informal settings when talking about jobs that provide a good income.
Each synonym carries its own nuances and is more suitable in certain contexts than others. To strengthen your vocabulary, try using these synonyms in different sentences or conversations to appreciate their subtle differences fully. Practice will help you choose the most fitting word based on context and style, enhancing both your written and spoken communication skills.