Income: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for the total money received, and can include wages, salary, dividends, interest, rent, etc.

• Her income has increased significantly this year.
• The family's total income comes from various sources.

Money received from work or business, often used in a more professional or business context.

• Company earnings have surpassed expectations this quarter.
• My earnings from freelancing have allowed me to save more.

Total money generated by a business from its operations, usually before subtracting expenses.

• Our annual revenue has doubled since last year.
• Revenue from the new product line was higher than projected.

Fixed, regular payment (usually monthly) received by an employee from an employer.

• She negotiated a higher salary before accepting the job offer.
• His salary is paid at the end of each month.

This is a general term referring to the money received by an individual or a business. It encompasses all sources of money, including wages, salaries, and other earnings.

• My annual income has increased since I got a promotion
• Her total income includes her salary and rental income

This term is often used to denote the money an individual makes from their job or the financial gain of a business. It is usually synonymous with 'profits' when discussing companies.

• His monthly earnings from freelance writing are substantial
• The company's quarterly earnings exceeded expectations

This word is typically used in a business context to indicate the total amount of money generated from the sale of goods or services before any expenses are deducted.

• The company reported a significant increase in revenue this quarter
• They need to boost their revenue to stay competitive

This term refers to a fixed, regular payment made by an employer to an employee, typically expressed on an annual basis.

• Her starting salary at the new job is very competitive
• He negotiated a higher salary before accepting the offer

General term for money that someone receives, especially on a regular basis from work, investments, or government aid.

• She has a stable income that allows her to save for holidays
• His monthly income is sufficient to cover all household expenses

Used to describe a significant difference or inequality, often in social or economic contexts. It generally highlights an unfair situation.

• The income disparity between the rich and the poor is increasing
• There is a noticeable disparity in healthcare quality across different regions

Describes a situation where things are not in equal or proper proportions, often used in economic and social discussions. It implies a deviation from what is considered normal or fair.

• The imbalance of power in the workplace is a serious issue
• There is an imbalance in the trade between the two countries, with one side exporting far more

Refers to a noticeable difference or space between two points, levels, or groups. It’s often used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as economic or social differences.

• There is a growing gap between the wages of men and women
• The gap in test scores between students from different schools is concerning