moneymaking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˈmʌnimeɪkɪŋ/US/ˈmʌnimeɪkɪŋ/

Neutral to informal, slightly commercial.

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Quick answer

What does “moneymaking” mean?

The act or process of earning or generating money.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The act or process of earning or generating money.

Describing an activity, plan, or person that is effective or designed for earning a profit, often with a focus on practical financial gain.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No major differences in meaning. Hyphenation is standard in both varieties, though 'money-making' (with hyphen) is also common. The solid form 'moneymaking' is slightly more prevalent in US English. 'Money-spinner' is a common informal British synonym not used in American English.

Connotations

In both varieties, the word can have positive (smart, profitable) or mildly negative (mercenary, focused only on profit) connotations depending on context.

Frequency

Moderately common in both, slightly more frequent in business or news contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “moneymaking” in a Sentence

[Adj] moneymaking scheme[N] the moneymaking was substantialHis primary focus is moneymaking.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
schemeventureenterpriseideamachine
medium
potentialskillsabilitiesoperationsracket (informal, negative)
weak
projectactivityplanbusinesstalent

Examples

Examples of “moneymaking” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • N/A – The verb is 'to make money'.
  • He's more interested in making money than in job satisfaction.

American English

  • N/A – The verb is 'to make money'.
  • She figured out how to make money from her vintage car collection.

adverb

British English

  • N/A – No standard adverbial form. Use 'profitably'.
  • The business was run very profitably.

American English

  • N/A – No standard adverbial form. Use 'profitably'.
  • The land was used more profitably after the change.

adjective

British English

  • They sold off their less moneymaking divisions.
  • The website proved to be a surprisingly moneymaking hobby.

American English

  • He pitched them his latest moneymaking scheme.
  • The franchise is their most moneymaking asset.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Commonly used to describe ventures, strategies, or assets that generate significant revenue. (e.g., 'Their new app is a moneymaking machine.')

Academic

Rare; more formal terms like 'profit generation', 'revenue creation', or 'commercialisation' are preferred.

Everyday

Used informally to talk about side hustles, hobbies that earn cash, or any activity seen as profitable. (e.g., 'His blog turned into a real moneymaking operation.')

Technical

Not typical in highly technical financial documents; 'income-generating' or 'revenue-generating' are more precise.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “moneymaking”

Strong

cash cow (idiomatic)bonanzagold mine

Neutral

profitablelucrativeprofit-makingremunerative

Weak

gainfulproductivecommercial

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “moneymaking”

loss-makingunprofitablecharitablenon-profit

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “moneymaking”

  • Using it as a verb (e.g., *'He is moneymaking'*). The verb form is 'to make money'. Confusing it with 'money laundering'. Spelling as two separate words ('money making') in formal writing.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both 'moneymaking' (one word) and 'money-making' (hyphenated) are correct and widely accepted. The one-word form is slightly more common, especially in American English. In formal writing, consistency is key.

No. 'Moneymaking' is a noun ('His moneymaking was impressive') or an adjective ('a moneymaking scheme'). The verb form is the phrase 'to make money'.

It can, but not always. It is neutral, describing profit focus. The connotation depends on context. 'A brilliant moneymaking app' is positive. 'A cynical, moneymaking ploy' is negative.

Informally, 'money-spinner' is a very common British alternative (e.g., 'The new reality show was a real money-spinner for the channel.'). This term is not used in American English.

The act or process of earning or generating money.

Moneymaking is usually neutral to informal, slightly commercial. in register.

Moneymaking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌnimeɪkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌnimeɪkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • A licence to print money
  • Money for jam/old rope

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a machine that MAKES MONEY. A 'moneymaking' scheme is a plan for such a machine.

Conceptual Metaphor

MONEY IS A PRODUCT (to be made/fabricated). COMMERCE IS MANUFACTURING.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
After years as a hobbyist, he turned his woodworking skills into a legitimate business.
Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the LEAST likely synonym for 'moneymaking' in a formal business report?

Practise

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