Business English Glossary

A list of items to be discussed at a meeting, typically circulated in advance.

Comparing business processes and performance metrics against industry best practices or competitors.

The net profit or loss of a company; figuratively, the most important conclusion or outcome.

Written communication in professional settings, including emails, letters, memos, and reports.

A field in email used to send a copy of the message to additional recipients who are not the primary addressee.

A combination of words that frequently occur together and sound natural to native speakers, e.g., 'make a profit.'

A tangible or measurable output produced as a result of a project or business process.

A thorough investigation or audit of a potential investment, product, or business before signing a contract.

A brief, persuasive speech used to spark interest in a project, product, or oneself, typically lasting under 60 seconds.

A short section at the beginning of a document summarizing its main points for quick review by decision-makers.

Using cautious or tentative language to soften statements and maintain politeness or diplomatic tone.

A culture where communication relies heavily on implicit understanding, nonverbal cues, and shared context.

A quantifiable measure used to evaluate how successfully an organization meets its objectives.

Using available resources or advantages to maximum effect; in finance, the use of borrowed capital for investment.

A culture where communication is explicit, direct, and relies primarily on the literal meaning of words.

A written message used for internal communication within an organization, typically shorter and less formal than a report.

An official written record of the proceedings and decisions made during a meeting.

The practice of building and maintaining professional relationships for mutual benefit and career advancement.

The process of integrating a new employee into an organization, including orientation, training, and acculturation.

A formal document presenting a plan or suggestion for consideration, often including objectives, methods, costs, and timeline.

The level of formality in language use, ranging from very formal to casual, chosen based on audience and context.

A performance metric calculated as net profit divided by cost of investment, expressed as a percentage.

Linguistic markers used in presentations and writing to guide the audience through the structure of the content.

Any individual or group that has an interest in or is affected by the outcomes of a business decision or project.

A strategic planning framework evaluating Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to a business or project.