Business English for work and careers: 50 words you need to know

In today’s global business world, mastering business English vocabulary is important for professional success. At Oxford International, we understand the importance of giving our students the language skills they need to excel in their careers. This blog post will introduce you to 50 essential business words that will enhance your professional communication and boost your confidence in the workplace.

Why learn business words?

Before we dive into our list of 50 must-know business words, let’s understand why expanding your business English vocabulary is so important:

1. Improved communication: Professional words help you express ideas clearly and precisely.
2. Increased credibility: Using appropriate business vocabulary showcases your expertise and professionalism.
3. Career advancement: A strong grasp of business English can open doors to new opportunities.
4. Global networking: Business English is often the common language in international business settings.

These words for business will help you navigate the professional world with confidence and clarity. Now, let’s explore 50 essential business words, grouped into categories for easier learning.

Management and leadership

1. Strategy: A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal.
2. Implement: To transform a strategy or idea into real actions.
3. Delegate: To assign tasks or responsibilities to others.
4. Collaborate: To work jointly on an activity or project.
5. Innovate: To introduce new methods, ideas or products.

Finance and accounting

6. Budget: A financial plan outlining expected income and expenses for a specific timeframe.
7. Revenue: Income generated from business activities.
8. Profit: Financial gain, the difference between revenue and expenses.
9. Invoice: A list of goods sent or services provided, with a statement of the amount of money due.
10. Audit: A thorough examination and verification of a company’s financial records and practices.

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Marketing and sales

11. Brand: A type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name.
12. Target market: A specific group of consumers at which a product or service is aimed.
13. Campaign: An organised course of action to promote a product or service.
14. Lead: A potential customer or client.
15. Conversion: The process of turning a potential customer into a paying one.

Human resources

16. Recruit: To find new people to join an organisation.
17. Onboarding: The process of bringing a new employee into an organisation.
18. Performance review: A formal assessment of an employee’s work.
19. Compensation: Payment or reward for work done.
20. Diversity: The practice of including people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds.

Operations and logistics

21. Supply chain: The network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a product.
22. Inventory: A complete list of items in stock.
23. Outsource: To obtain goods or services from an outside supplier.
24. Streamline: To make a system or organisation more efficient and effective.
25. Quality control: A system of maintaining standards in manufactured products.

Technology and innovation

26. Digital transformation: The adoption of digital technology to transform services or businesses.
27. Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines.
28. Cloud computing: The use of internet-based servers to store, access and manage data and applications remotely.
29. Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting systems, networks and programs from digital attacks.
30. Big data: Extremely large data sets that may be analysed to reveal patterns and trends.

Project management

31. Milestone: A key achievement or checkpoint that marks significant progress in a project’s timeline.
32. Deliverable: Goods or service that must be provided upon the completion of a project.
33. Scope: The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant.
34. Agile: A method of project management characterised by the division of tasks into short phases of work and adapting plans accordingly.
35. Stakeholder: A person with an interest or concern in a business or project.

Communication and presentation

36. Briefing: A meeting for giving information or instructions.
37. Pitch: A presentation made to sell a product or service or to attract funding.
38. Networking: The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts.
39. Feedback: Insights and opinions about a product, service or individual’s work, used to guide improvements and decision-making.
40. Negotiation: A process of communication between parties aimed at finding mutually beneficial solutions.

Business ethics and sustainability

41. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A company’s commitment to manage the social, environmental and economic effects of its operations responsibly.
42. Sustainability: The ability to maintain or support a process over time.
43. Transparency: The practice of conducting business operations openly, allowing stakeholders to see and understand company actions and decisions.
44. Compliance: The action of complying with a wish or command.
45. Ethical: Acting in ways consistent with what society and individuals typically think are good values.

General business terms

46. ROI (Return on Investment): A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment.
47. B2B (Business-to-Business): Commercial transactions between businesses.
48. KPI (Key Performance Indicator): A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives.
49. Scalable: Able to be changed in size or scale.
50. Disruptive: Causing or tending to cause disruption, especially of an established business model.

How to improve your business English vocabulary

Now that you’re familiar with these 50 essential business words, here are some tips to help you use them in your professional vocabulary:

1. Use them in context: Practise using these words in sentences relevant to your work.
2. Read business publications: Become familiar with business English vocabulary in real-world contexts.
3. Attend webinars or workshops: Many professional development events use these terms regularly.
4. Join business English courses: Oxford International offers specialised courses to help you master business English vocabulary.
5. Create flashcards: Use digital or physical flashcards to review these words regularly.

Remember, mastering business English vocabulary is a journey of learning and application. The more you practise, the more natural and confident you’ll become in using these professional words.

At Oxford International, we’re committed to helping you achieve your language learning goals. Our business English courses are designed to give you the vocabulary, communication skills and cultural understanding needed to thrive in an international business environment.

Whether you’re a student preparing for a future career, a professional looking to advance in your field, or an entrepreneur aiming to expand your business globally, mastering these business words will give you a significant advantage.

Embrace the challenge of expanding your business English vocabulary. With dedication and practice, you’ll soon find yourself communicating more effectively and confidently in professional settings.

Start incorporating these business vocabulary words into your daily communications, and watch as your professional language skills improve. At Oxford International, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to business English mastery.

Want to take your business English to the next level? Explore our free online resources for more professional vocabulary and practical lan