business
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbɪz.nɪs/US/ˈbɪz.nəs/
the activity of buying and selling goods or services; or a commercial enterprise/company
Example Sentences
She runs a small business making handmade soaps.
Business has been slow lately due to economic uncertainty.
He studied business in college to learn about finance and marketing.
They plan to expand their business to international markets next year.
Local businesses often rely on community support to stay afloat.
My father’s business started as a single shop but now includes multiple branches.
After years of carefully analyzing consumer trends and saving up enough capital, she was finally able to open her dream business in the downtown district, offering specialized artisanal products to a niche market.
Business, in its broadest sense, encompasses not only the operation of individual companies but also the complex networks of trade, finance, and economic strategies that fuel global commerce and shape societies.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Activities and organizations dealing with goods, services, or transactions for profit.“Business” commonly refers to commercial, professional, or organizational endeavors that involve producing goods or offering services. You can use the term to describe everything from small local shops to massive multinational corporations, as well as the general concept of commerce. In everyday usage, phrases such as “start a business” or “manage a business” emphasize founding or running a commercial entity.When speaking or writing about business, context is critical. Some people use the word to talk about specific industries—like the “hospitality business” or “tech business”—while others might discuss overarching fields such as “small business” or “big business,” highlighting size or scope. In professional conversations, “business” can refer to organizational matters, including company culture, operations, or financial considerations. For example, “Our business needs to cut costs,” refers to reducing expenditures within a particular company.Beyond commerce, “business” can also describe busyness or tasks you need to handle in a general sense: “I have some personal business to attend to this afternoon.” In such contexts, it suggests personal tasks or responsibilities, rather than commercial transactions. In more formal writing or speaking, you may encounter related terms like “enterprise,” “venture,” or “firm,” all of which convey different nuances but revolve around the idea of professional or commercial activity. Recognizing these nuances allows you to adapt your message effectively to various audiences and settings, ensuring clear communication about economic, organizational, or personal tasks tied to the idea of getting things done.
Alternatives
Depending on your purpose and context, several words can substitute or relate to “business.” Common synonyms include “enterprise,” which hints at ambition or risk-taking, and “venture,” implying a new or exploratory commercial undertaking. If you wish to underscore structure or legal form, “firm” or “company” might be ideal choices, focusing on organized entities with distinct identities. Terms like “trade” or “commerce” lean more toward the act of exchanging goods and services, suitable for discussing markets, deals, or economic transactions.For more nuanced usage, “organization” broadens the scope to include nonprofits and institutions that may not aim for profit. “Startup” connotes a newly established business with an innovative or tech-focused angle, while “corporation” implies a larger, more formal entity subject to specific legal frameworks. Each alternative carries subtle shades of meaning regarding size, ambition, legal structure, or innovative spirit. By choosing synonyms that closely reflect your specific topic—whether it’s a small, family-run shop or a multinational conglomerate—you maintain clarity and effectively convey the scale, nature, and goals of the enterprise in question. Striking the right balance between general and specific terminology can help you accurately capture the essence of what kind of “business” you’re referring to, ensuring that your communication resonates with readers or listeners.
Writing
When writing about “business,” you can elevate the clarity and impact of your message by providing relevant context early. Identify the type and scale of the business—be it a small local shop, a growing startup, or a well-established global corporation. Readers value specifics, such as the products or services offered, the target market, and the unique challenges the enterprise faces. By illustrating these details, you make the text more engaging, informative, and authentic.Use concise and direct language to outline operational strategies, financial performance, or market trends, highlighting how these factors shape the organization’s goals and growth. If your writing focuses on broader themes, like business ethics or corporate social responsibility, incorporate examples to anchor the discussion in practical scenarios. A well-chosen example—such as a company adopting sustainable materials—can illustrate more abstract principles in action.Additionally, pay attention to tone and structure. When writing formal documents (e.g., reports, proposals, or case studies), maintain professional language. However, for press releases or marketing materials, a more dynamic style, emphasizing storytelling and emotional connection, can capture interest. By balancing clarity, detail, and engaging examples, you empower readers to grasp not just the concept of “business” but the specific issues and opportunities at stake for your particular subject.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “business” usually refers to a job, a company, or tasks one needs to handle. Phrases like “I’m handling some business” can mean you have errands or personal matters to address. When friends or family mention starting a business, they typically mean opening a store, offering a service, or working as a freelancer—something that involves making money through goods or expertise.People also talk about “business” when they’re busy with responsibilities, saying, for example, “I have some family business to take care of.” This sense of the word can be casual and simply mean private affairs or tasks. In social settings, if someone says “It’s none of your business,” they’re politely—or sometimes bluntly—telling you they don’t wish to share personal details. Meanwhile, questions like “How’s business?” show polite interest in how someone’s work or company is doing.Remember that in casual chats, context is everything. Make it clear whether you’re talking about an actual company or just day-to-day tasks. If you’re uncertain, ask follow-up questions: “Oh, you’re starting a business? What type of products will you sell?” Being specific can build camaraderie and keep the discussion flowing naturally. Overall, using “business” in informal contexts is straightforward—just be mindful of the listener’s background and interests so you can guide the conversation without confusion.
Etymology
The English word “business” derives from the Old English “bisignis,” a combination of “bisig” (busy) and the suffix “-ness,” which denotes a state or condition. Initially, the term signified the state of being busy or occupied, reflecting how people spent their time and effort. Over the centuries, as trade, craft, and commerce became more organized, the sense of “business” broadened to mean commercial activity or an enterprise focused on profit-making.With the expansion of trade routes during the Middle Ages and the rise of guilds regulating labor and production, “business” gradually took on connotations of professional dealings and structured economic activity. As banking, international commerce, and industrialization reshaped societies from the Renaissance through the Industrial Revolution, “business” became central to discussions about trade, manufacturing, and corporate entities.By the modern era, “business” encompassed everything from small family-run stores to large corporations, signifying not only commercial transactions but also the principles of management, finance, and strategy behind them. It likewise served as an umbrella term for organizational pursuits, whether they were profit-driven or merely administrative. Today, “business” continues to evolve, reflecting the shift toward service-based economies, digital enterprises, and globalization. Despite these transformations, the word retains its original core notion of busyness and purposeful engagement, highlighting the human drive to create, trade, and collaborate for mutual benefit.
