Enterprise: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to a large, complex, or ambitious project or venture, often with connotations of innovation and risk.

• Launching a new space tourism enterprise requires a significant amount of capital and technological expertise.
• Her innovative enterprise in renewable energy has attracted investors worldwide.

A formal term for a commercial or industrial organization, more official and often used in corporate or legal contexts.

• She works for a company that manufactures medical devices.
• The company announced its financial results for the quarter.

A general term often used to refer to commercial activities or a commercial entity engaged in buying and selling goods or services for profit.

• He started his own business selling handmade jewelry online.
• The restaurant business is very competitive in this city.

Typically refers to a business, usually of a smaller to medium size, and often used in the context of professional services such as law, accounting, or consulting.

• He is a partner at a prestigious law firm in the city.
• The firm specializes in financial consulting for tech startups.

A broader term that can refer to any organized group of people with a particular purpose, including nonprofits, governments, and businesses.

• The nonprofit organization works to provide clean water in developing countries.
• She joined an environmental organization to help combat climate change.

Use this word when referring to large-scale business activities or ambitious new ventures. It often implies a complex, organized effort, typically by a company.

• The innovative tech enterprise is set to revolutionize the industry.
• Starting a new enterprise in the current economic climate is challenging.

Best used for risky or speculative business activities that involve potential gains and losses. It has a connotation of adventure and innovation.

• The startup is a new venture aimed at disrupting the financial sector.
• They decided to invest in a joint venture to expand their market reach.

Commonly used to describe a somewhat challenging or long-term task or project. It often suggests a sense of responsibility or seriousness.

• Renovating the old theater was a massive undertaking for the community.
• Starting a new job in a different country is a significant undertaking.

Applicable to specific tasks or pieces of work with a defined beginning and end. Often used in professional, academic, or construction contexts.

• The construction project is set to be completed by next year.
• We are working on a marketing project to boost sales in the next quarter.

Suitable for indicating serious attempts or efforts to achieve a goal. It is often used when emphasizing the hard work and determination involved.

• Her endeavor to climb Mount Everest showed her remarkable resilience.
• Scientific endeavor has led to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine.