C1noun3K

Shareholder

UK /["/ˈʃeəhəʊldə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈʃerhəʊldər/"]/

Definition

an owner of shares in a company or business

In simple words: A person or company that owns part of a company.

Examples

  • the major shareholders in the company
  • Company shareholders approved the merger.
  • He has attracted new and existing shareholders to invest in his company.
  • He was voicing the concerns of ordinary shareholders.
  • The government is still a majority shareholder in the industry.

Usage notes

Use 'shareholder' in business contexts. It's appropriate when discussing company ownership, financial reports, or corporate meetings. Avoid in casual conversations unless specifically discussing finance.

Grammar pattern

shareholder + of + company

Memory hint

Think of 'share' as in sharing pieces of a pie, where each piece is owned by a shareholder.

Collocations

  • big
  • large
  • major
  • defraud
  • reward
  • vote
  • approve
  • shareholder in

Synonyms

  • stockholder
  • equity holder
  • investor

Antonyms

  • non-shareholder
  • debtholder

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'stakeholder' which includes wider interests beyond ownership.
  • Using 'shareholder' for people without actual shares.
  • Saying 'shareholder's' as if that refers to multiple people, instead of the plural 'shareholders'.