Business English glossary: 40 essential workplace terms

A list of the topics a group plans to discuss during a meeting.

Example: The budget review is the second item on today’s meeting agenda.

A specific task assigned to someone after a discussion or meeting.

Example: My action item is to send the revised presentation by Thursday.

Shared understanding or agreement about a goal, decision, or plan.

Example: Let’s make sure we have alignment on the launch date before we finish.

A piece of completed work that must be provided by a particular time.

Example: The final research report is our main deliverable for this project.

The latest date or time when work must be completed.

Example: The deadline for submitting the proposal is Friday at noon.

A person or group affected by a project or able to influence its outcome.

Example: We will share the new design with key stakeholders before development begins.

The agreed boundaries of a project, including what work is and is not included.

Example: Adding a mobile app is outside the scope of this website project.

A schedule showing when the stages or tasks in a project should happen.

Example: The timeline gives the design team two weeks to complete its work.

To contact someone again about a previous message, request, or conversation.

Example: I’m following up to see whether you had a chance to review my application.

To make a statement, instruction, or situation easier to understand.

Example: Could you clarify which figures should be included in the report?

To state that information, an arrangement, or a decision is correct or final.

Example: Please confirm that you can attend the meeting at 2 p.m.

An abbreviation for “for your information,” used when sharing something that may be useful but does not require action.

Example: FYI, the client moved tomorrow’s call to the larger conference room.

An abbreviation for “end of day,” meaning the close of the working day.

Example: Can you send your feedback by EOD Wednesday?

An abbreviation for “out of office,” meaning someone is unavailable for work.

Example: I will be OOO on Friday and will reply on Monday.

To include another person in a message or conversation because their input is useful.

Example: I’ll loop in our designer so she can answer the question about the logo.

To have a short conversation or exchange a quick update about something.

Example: Let’s touch base tomorrow morning after the sales numbers arrive.

The total income a business earns from selling its products or services before expenses are subtracted.

Example: Subscription revenue increased after the company introduced a yearly plan.

Money a business spends to operate, create products, or provide services.

Example: Travel was the team’s largest expense during the conference month.

The money remaining after a business subtracts its expenses from its revenue.

Example: The shop earned a profit because its sales were greater than its costs.

A plan for how much money can be earned, spent, or allocated over a period of time.

Example: Our marketing budget allows us to run two advertising campaigns this quarter.

The movement of money into and out of a business during a period of time.

Example: Paying suppliers before customers pay us can create a cash-flow problem.

An estimate of a future result based on current information and assumptions.

Example: The sales forecast predicts stronger demand during the holiday season.

A key performance indicator: a measurement used to track progress toward an important goal.

Example: Customer retention is one of the subscription team’s most important KPIs.

Return on investment: a comparison between the benefit of an investment and what it cost.

Example: The campaign produced a positive ROI because the added sales exceeded the advertising cost.

The specific group of people a product, service, or message is designed to reach.

Example: College students preparing for internships are part of BizLinga’s target audience.

A clear explanation of the benefit a product offers and why someone should choose it.

Example: The landing page states the app’s value proposition in its first paragraph.

A person or organization that may become a customer.

Example: The sales representative contacted each new lead after the event.

A completed action a business wants a visitor or potential customer to take.

Example: An app download counts as a conversion for this campaign.

A coordinated group of marketing activities created to achieve a particular goal.

Example: The back-to-school campaign uses email, social media, and short videos.

How a product or brand is presented so people understand its place in the market.

Example: The company’s positioning focuses on simple tools for first-time business owners.

A prompt that asks someone to take a clear next step, such as downloading, subscribing, or buying.

Example: “Download the app” is the main call to action on the page.

The process of attracting and gaining new customers.

Example: The team compared social media and search as customer-acquisition channels.

The process of helping a new employee learn about the organization, role, tools, and expectations.

Example: My first week of onboarding includes training sessions and meetings with the team.

The pay and other financial benefits someone receives for their work.

Example: The recruiter explained the salary, bonus, and other parts of the compensation package.

Non-wage support provided by an employer, such as health insurance, paid leave, or retirement contributions.

Example: The job posting lists health insurance and paid vacation among its benefits.

Paid time off: approved time away from work for which an employee continues to be paid.

Example: I submitted a PTO request for the Friday after the holiday.

A structured conversation about an employee’s work, progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Example: During my performance review, my manager and I set goals for the next six months.

Information about someone’s work that can reinforce strengths or help improve future performance.

Example: The editor gave me specific feedback on how to make the opening clearer.

A task, duty, or area of work that a person is expected to manage.

Example: One of my internship responsibilities is updating the weekly report.

Learning and experience that help someone improve skills and grow in a career.

Example: The company offers workshops as part of its professional-development program.