B1adjective1K

Commercial

UK /["/kəˈmɜːʃl/"]/US /["/kəˈmɜːrʃl/"]/

Definition

connected with the buying and selling of goods and services

In simple words: Related to business and selling goods or services.

Examples

  • The commercial district is bustling with shoppers and tourists.
  • She works in a commercial bank that offers various financial services.
  • We saw a hilarious commercial during the game last night.
  • The commercial success of the product exceeded all expectations.
  • Many colleges offer courses in commercial art.
  • There was a debate about the impact of commercial enterprises on local culture.

Usage notes

Use 'commercial' when discussing business contexts, advertisements, or products. Avoid in casual conversations unrelated to business.

Grammar pattern

commercial + noun (e.g. commercial enterprise)

Memory hint

Think of 'commerce' to remember 'commercial' — both are about business.

Collocations

  • commercial success
  • commercial property
  • commercial break
  • commercial law

Synonyms

  • business
  • trade
  • market
  • mercantile
  • industrial

Antonyms

  • non-commercial
  • private

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'commerce' which refers to the activity of buying and selling.
  • Using 'commercial' to describe non-business activities or informal situations.