remunerative
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪmjˈuːnərətˌɪv/
US
- /rimˈjunərətɪv/
Description
- profitable
- paying well
- bringing in money
Something remunerative brings in money or pays well. It usually describes work, a business, or an activity that gives a financial return. Think of a well-paid job, a profitable business deal, or an investment that earns money. Volunteering may be meaningful, but it is not usually remunerative. A freelance writer might take on a remunerative project to earn extra income, while an artist hopes their work will become remunerative enough to support them full-time.
The word remunerative describes something that brings financial reward or profit. It is most often used for work, business, services, or activities that pay well or produce income. It does not simply mean "pleasant" or "personally rewarding"; the idea is mainly about money. The root comes from the Latin remunerare, meaning to repay or compensate.
You'll often encounter remunerative when discussing careers or business opportunities. A lawyer specializing in corporate law might have a highly remunerative career, while a small bakery struggling to stay afloat is likely not. It can also apply to activities beyond traditional employment. For example, a side hustle that generates steady income could be described as remunerative.
The word is sometimes used in a slightly wider way, but even then the sense usually stays close to payment, compensation, or profit. A project, contract, or line of work may be called remunerative if it proves worth doing because it brings in good money.
So, if something is remunerative, it pays enough to make the effort worth it and brings a clear financial benefit. It speaks to good pay, profit, and practical economic value.
Examples
- 1
Career change
She left retail for a more remunerative job in medical sales.
- 2
Farming
For many small farmers, growing berries is more remunerative than growing wheat.
- 3
Product strategy
The company stopped making its least remunerative products and focused on services instead.
- 4
Career tradeoff
Teaching gave him a sense of purpose, but consulting was far more remunerative.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- remunerativeadjective