WordValecash cow
a business that reliably produces steady profits
In more detail
a business, product, or investment that generates a steady and reliable flow of income or profit, usually with little effort or additional investment required
Examples
- The company's older software products remain cash cows even though they no longer invest much in development.
How to use cash cow
Cash cow is a business term used to describe a mature, profitable product or venture that requires minimal investment yet consistently produces income. It originated from the Boston Consulting Group's growth-share matrix and is widely used in corporate and marketing contexts. The term suggests sustainable profitability with little active effort needed.
Common phrases
- milking the cash cow
- identify a cash cow
- cash cow business
- reliable cash cow
- steady cash cow
- turn into a cash cow
Synonyms
money-maker · goldmine · breadwinner · revenue generator · profit center
Opposites
money pit · loss leader · drain on resources
Word family
cash cows (plural)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'cash cow' to describe any profitable business, but it specifically refers to established products or operations that generate steady income without heavy ongoing investment—not new ventures or those requiring significant continued expenditure.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD