A1noun1K

Business

UK /["/ˈbɪznəs/"]/US /["/ˈbɪznəs/"]/

Definition

the activity of making, buying, selling or supplying goods or services for money

In simple words: The activity of making or selling goods or services.

Examples

  • She started her own business last year.
  • The business meeting is scheduled for 10 AM.
  • He is taking a course in business management.
  • The shop was a family business for generations.
  • They are discussing the terms of the business contract.

Usage notes

Use 'business' in general and formal contexts when discussing work, trade, or commerce. It is not typically used in casual conversations about personal matters.

Grammar pattern

business + noun (e.g., business meeting)

Memory hint

Think of 'busy-ness' — if you're busy, you're likely doing business!

Collocations

  • big
  • profitable
  • private
  • carry on
  • conduct
  • do
  • deal
  • transaction
  • opportunity
  • in business
  • on business
  • business as usual
  • business or pleasure
  • mix business with pleasure
  • daily
  • real
  • get on with
  • go about
  • make something
  • have no business doing something
  • have no business to do something
  • keep your nose out of somebody’s business
  • brisk
  • good
  • bad
  • do
  • attract
  • drum up
  • boom
  • grow
  • pick up
  • large
  • medium-sized
  • small
  • have
  • own
  • manage
  • do well
  • flourish
  • succeed
  • assets
  • premises
  • failure
  • daily
  • real
  • get on with
  • go about
  • make something
  • have no business doing something
  • have no business to do something
  • keep your nose out of somebody’s business
  • private
  • important
  • pressing
  • get down to
  • deal with
  • discuss
  • any other business
  • mean business
  • whole
  • dirty
  • messy
  • big
  • profitable
  • private
  • carry on
  • conduct
  • do
  • deal
  • transaction
  • opportunity
  • in business
  • on business
  • business as usual
  • business or pleasure
  • mix business with pleasure

Synonyms

  • commerce
  • trade
  • enterprise
  • firm
  • company

Antonyms

  • leisure
  • idleness
  • unemployment

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'busy' — 'business' refers to work, while 'busy' means having a lot to do.
  • Using 'business' as a verb — it is only a noun.
  • Saying 'the business are' instead of 'the business is' — 'business' is a singular noun.