Getting a job takes hard work, talent, and skill. But simply getting a job does not guarantee success in your professional life. To grow in your career, you need to keep improving, and strong communication skills play a vital role in that journey.
English is the global language of the professional world. Having a solid understanding of professional English vocabulary can make you sound more confident, capable, and credible in any workplace.
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Professional words are different from the everyday language we use in casual conversations. These terms help you express ideas in a formal, clear, and effective way that is suitable for the workplace.
According to The London School of English website, here are 50 important words you can start using to improve your professional communication:
1. Team player
Someone who works well with others in a group setting.
2. Coworking or shared workspace
A place where people from different companies work independently or together.
3. Brand awareness
The level at which people recognise and remember your brand.
4. Go public
When a private company starts selling its shares to the public.
5. Shareholder
A person who owns part of a company through shares.
6. Stakeholder
An individual or group that has an interest in a business or project.
7. Digital strategy
A plan to use digital tools and platforms to achieve business goals.
8. Overheads
Ongoing costs of running a business such as rent and electricity.
9. Balance sheet
A financial statement showing a company's assets, liabilities, and capital.
10. Launch
To introduce a new product or service to the market.
11. Revenue
The total money earned by a business before expenses.
12. Sector
A specific part of the economy such as healthcare or finance.
13. Invest
To put money into something with the expectation of gaining a return.
14. Leadership
The ability to guide, motivate, and manage a team or organisation.
15. Deadline
The latest time or date by which a task must be completed.
16. Core business
The main activity or area a company focuses on.
17. Go into administration
When a company is unable to pay its debts and is placed under management.
18. Added value
An extra benefit or improvement that makes something more valuable.
19. Collaborate
To work with others to achieve a common goal.
20. Start-up
A newly established business, often in its early growth stage.
21. Entrepreneur
A person who starts and runs a business, often taking financial risks.
22. Expand
To grow in size, scale, or reach.
23. Freelance
Working independently for different companies without a long-term contract.
24. Consultant
A professional who provides expert advice in a specific field.
25. Skill set
A combination of skills and abilities a person has for a particular job.
26. Staff
The group of people who work for a company.
27. Impact
The effect or influence something has on a situation or outcome.
28. Capital
Money used to start, run, or grow a business.
29. Close a deal
To successfully complete a business agreement or negotiation.
30. Competitor
A company or person offering similar products or services as yours.
31. Conference call
A phone or video meeting between people in different locations.
32. Creditor
Someone who is owed money by a business or individual.
33. Economies of scale
Cost savings achieved by producing larger quantities of a product.
34. Human Resources
The department responsible for hiring, training, and managing employees.
35. Network
To build professional relationships and contacts for business growth.
36. Project
A planned task with specific goals and a timeline.
37. Emerging markets
Developing countries with growing economies and opportunities.
38. Agenda
A list of topics to be discussed in a meeting.
39. Sustainability
Practices that protect the environment and ensure long-term balance.
40. Outsource
To hire another company to handle tasks or services for your business.
41. Merger
The joining of two companies into one.
42. Takeover
When one company gains control of another by buying its shares.
43. Crowdfunding
Raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, usually online.
44. Board of Directors
A group of people responsible for overseeing a company's activities and decisions.
45. Multinational
A company that operates in more than one country.
46. Disruption
A change that shakes up the normal way an industry works.
47. Gig economy
A job market made up of short-term or freelance work.
48. Budget
A financial plan that outlines expected income and expenses.
49. Diversify
To enter different markets or offer a variety of products or services.
50. Collaborate
To work jointly with others to achieve shared results.
These words are commonly used in the corporate world. If you are a working professional and are not familiar with them, this is a good time to start learning. For example, instead of saying "last date," say "deadline." If you want to describe people interested in a business or project, use the term "stakeholders." If you are referring to online marketing and planning, say "digital strategy."
One of the best ways to master these words is to use them in real office situations. The more you use them, the more naturally they will become part of your professional vocabulary.
