B2noun2K

Trading

UK /["/ˈtreɪdɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈtreɪdɪŋ/"]/

Definition

the activity of buying and selling things

In simple words: Exchanging goods or services for money or other goods.

Examples

  • new laws on Sunday trading *(= shops being open on Sundays)*
  • Supermarkets everywhere reported excellent trading in the run-up to Christmas.
  • Shares worth $8 million changed hands during a day of hectic trading.
  • In heavy trading, the 100-share index closed down 38 points.
  • Sole trading is where an individual carries on his or her own business.
  • a code of practice for fair trading

Usage notes

Used in business contexts or when discussing bartering. Avoid in very casual conversations not related to economics.

Grammar pattern

trade + object

Memory hint

Think of 'trade' as exchanging items—imagine two people swapping cards.

Collocations

  • busy
  • heavy
  • hectic
  • begin
  • open
  • close
  • partner

Synonyms

  • exchanging
  • bartering
  • swapping
  • commerce
  • dealing

Antonyms

  • hoarding
  • withholding

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'traded' as a past form instead of the noun.
  • Using 'trade' when 'trading' is appropriate in continuous tenses.
  • Mixing up 'trading' with 'traveling', as they sound similar.