A1noun1K

Company

UK /["/ˈkʌmpəni/"]/US /["/ˈkʌmpəni/"]/

Definition

a business organization that makes money by producing or selling goods or services

In simple words: A group of people who work together to make or sell something.

Examples

  • I work at a software company that develops applications.
  • The company is expanding its operations overseas.
  • Apple is a well-known technology company.
  • I enjoy the company of my friends during weekends.
  • Her company is always fun and supportive.

Usage notes

Use 'company' in both formal and informal contexts when referring to businesses. Avoid in casual phrases unrelated to business, like 'keeping company' (which means spending time with someone).

Grammar pattern

company + noun (e.g. company policy)

Memory hint

Think of a 'com-pany' as a team working together in a 'pan' like a baking team.

Collocations

  • big
  • large
  • leading
  • group
  • create
  • establish
  • form
  • make something
  • manufacture something
  • produce something
  • director
  • executive
  • owner
  • in a/​the company
  • within a/​the company
  • a director of a company
  • large
  • small
  • touring
  • good
  • pleasant
  • poor
  • have
  • keep somebody
  • need
  • for company
  • in somebody’s company
  • have the pleasure of somebody’s company
  • request the pleasure of somebody’s company
  • like your own company
  • expect
  • have
  • mixed
  • assembled
  • keep
  • in company
  • get into bad company
  • keep bad company
  • present company excepted

Synonyms

  • business
  • corporation
  • firm
  • enterprise
  • establishment

Antonyms

  • individual
  • self

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'companion' — remember, a company is usually a business.
  • Using 'company' in the singular form when referring to multiple businesses.
  • Mixed up with 'firm' — 'firm' can be more specific to certain types of companies.