40 Must-Know Business English Words for Work Success
- Bri
- 18 minutes ago
- 6 min read
If you're learning English for work or plan to enter the business world, today’s vocabulary list is perfect for you. These are words you’ll often hear in meetings, emails, business reports, and negotiations.
In the video linked below, I go over these words and idioms with clear definitions, real-life examples, and pronunciation tips to help you sound more confident and professional in English.
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🎥 Watch the video here:
40 Business English Vocabulary and Idioms for Success
Now, let’s dive into 40 essential Business English words and idioms that you’ll want to remember.
📌 Part 1: Business Vocabulary
📌 1. Agenda
Definition: A list of topics to be discussed in a meeting
Example: "Let's stick to the agenda to finish the meeting on time."
🗒 Tip: At meetings, ask: “What’s on the agenda today?”
📌 2. Deadline
Definition: The latest time or date by which something should be completed
Example: "The deadline for submitting the report is Friday."
⏰ Missing a deadline can delay a whole project—so this word is important!
📌 3. Revenue
Definition: Income generated from business activities
Example: "Our revenue increased by 10% last quarter."
💰 Used often in finance reports and sales meetings.
📌 4. Profit
Definition: The financial gain after deducting expenses
Example: "The company made a significant profit this year."
💡 Revenue - Costs = Profit
📌 5. Budget
Definition: A plan for how money will be spent over a specific period
Example: "We need to stick to the budget for this project."
📊 You might hear: “We’re over budget” (spending too much).
📌 6. Proposal
Definition: A formal suggestion or plan for consideration
Example: "She submitted a proposal for a new marketing strategy."
📎 Used in emails and presentations when suggesting new ideas.
📌 7. Collaboration
Definition: Working together with others to achieve a common goal
Example: "Collaboration between teams is key to the project's success."
🤝 “Let’s collaborate” means “Let’s work together.”
📌 8. Negotiation
Definition: Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement
Example: "The contract was finalized after successful negotiation."
💬 Business deals often require strong negotiation skills.
📌 9. Productivity
Definition: The efficiency of production or work
Example: "New tools have increased employee productivity significantly."
📈 High productivity = getting more done in less time.
📌 10. Stakeholder
Definition: A person or group with an interest in a company's success
Example: "We need to consider the stakeholders' opinions before making changes."
👥 Stakeholders include employees, investors, and customers.
📌 11. Contract
Definition: A legal agreement between two or more parties
Example: "Please review the terms of the contract carefully."
📃 Common phrase: “Sign a contract” or “Break a contract.”
📌 12. Logistics
Definition: The detailed coordination of a complex operation
Example: "We need to improve our logistics to meet delivery deadlines."
🚚 Logistics are critical in shipping, delivery, and event planning.
📌 13. Marketing
Definition: Activities aimed at promoting and selling products or services
Example: "The marketing team launched a new social media campaign."
📢 Marketing helps people discover and choose your product.
📌 14. Benchmark
Definition: A standard or point of reference for comparison
Example: "We use last year's sales figures as a benchmark."
📊 Use benchmarks to measure progress.
📌 15. Sustainability
Definition: Practices that meet current needs without compromising future resources
Example: "The company is focusing on sustainability in its operations."
🌱 Green businesses talk a lot about sustainability.
📌 16. Investment
Definition: The act of allocating money or resources with the expectation of future benefits
Example: "She made a smart investment in renewable energy."
📈 Investments can grow money over time.
📌 17. Expansion
Definition: The process of growing or increasing business operations
Example: "The company is planning its expansion into international markets."
🌍 Expansion often means opening new stores or offices.
📌 18. Innovation
Definition: The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products
Example: "Innovation is the key to staying competitive in the industry."
💡 Companies encourage innovation to grow and stay ahead.
📌 19. Outsourcing
Definition: Delegating tasks or services to external companies
Example: "We are outsourcing our IT support to reduce costs."
🌐 Common in tech and customer service fields.
📌 20. Turnover
Definition: The rate at which employees leave a company
Example: "High employee turnover can affect productivity and morale."
🔄 High turnover = people leaving jobs often.
💬 Part 2: Business Idioms You Need to Know
Idioms are phrases that don’t always mean what the words say. They can be tricky—but also fun and very useful! These 20 idioms will help you understand native speakers and express your ideas more naturally in the workplace.
🗣 1. A win-win situation
Definition: A situation where all parties benefit
Example: "Offering flexible hours is a win-win situation for employees and the company."
🗣 2. Back to square one
Definition: Starting over from the beginning
Example: "The client rejected our proposal, so we're back to square one."
🗣 3. Behind the scenes
Definition: Activities happening out of public view
Example: "The team worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the event's success."
🗣 4. Big picture
Definition: An overall view or perspective of a situation
Example: "Let’s focus on the big picture instead of the minor details."
🗣 5. Corner the market
Definition: To dominate or control a specific marketExample: "Our new product will help us corner the market in wearable technology."
🗣 6. Cut corners
Definition: To do something in a cheaper or faster but less thorough way
Example: "We can’t cut corners on safety if we want this project to succeed."
🗣 7. Get the ball rolling
Definition: To start something
Example: "Let’s get the ball rolling on the new advertising campaign."
🗣 8. Hit the ground running
Definition: To start a project or job with great energy and immediate results
Example: "We need someone who can hit the ground running on this project."
🗣 9. In the loop
Definition: Being informed and included in a process
Example: "Please keep me in the loop about any updates on the merger."
🗣 10. Keep your eye on the ball
Definition: To stay focused and alert
Example: "We need to keep our eye on the ball to meet this deadline."
🗣 11. Learn the ropes
Definition: To understand how something is done, especially a new job
Example: "It took me a few weeks to learn the ropes of my new role."
🗣 12. On the same page
Definition: To have a shared understanding or agreement
Example: "Let’s make sure we’re on the same page before presenting this to the client."
🗣 13. Raise the bar
Definition: To set higher standards
Example: "The new CEO has really raised the bar for product quality."
🗣 14. Red tape
Definition: Excessive bureaucracy or formalities
Example: "The project was delayed due to all the red tape involved."
🗣 15. Think outside the box
Definition: To think creatively and innovatively
Example: "We need to think outside the box to solve this complex problem."
🗣 16. Touch base
Definition: To briefly contact or check in with someone
Example: "Let’s touch base next week to review the project’s progress."
🗣 17. Under the table
Definition: Done secretly and often illegally
Example: "He was accused of paying workers under the table to avoid taxes."
🗣 18. Up in the air
Definition: Uncertain or undecided
Example: "The launch date is still up in the air because of the supplier delays."
🗣 19. Call the shots
Definition: To be in control and make decisions
Example: "As the project manager, she gets to call the shots."
🗣 20. Hit the nail on the head
Definition: To describe or do something exactly right
Example: "His analysis of the problem hit the nail on the head."
✅ Practice Time!
Choose 3 new idioms and 3 vocabulary words from today’s blog and try using them in your own sentences. You can even write a mini business dialogue or role-play and share it in the comments!
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