When we discuss business English vocabulary, some might think it’s only for big company meetings or very formal talks. But it’s actually useful for much more. Business English vocabulary is important for anyone who deals with things like making deals, selling, giving talks, or just about any job where you need to communicate well.

This includes if you run a small shop, work on your own, start your own business, or help customers. Learning and using the right business English vocabulary can really help you talk better and do better in your job.

10 Most Important Words for Business English Vocabulary

To help you begin or to improve your current skills, here are ten basic words that are often used in different work situations. For each word, I’ll give you a simple explanation and a real-life example to show you how it’s used.

1. Agenda

A list of items to be discussed or done at a meeting or business event.

Example: “Please review the meeting agenda before we start, so we can cover all the important points efficiently.”

2. Benchmark

A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed, often used to measure quality or performance.

Example: “Our team is performing well this quarter, but we need to benchmark our sales against the industry average to understand our position better.”

3. Client

A person or organization using the services or advice of a professional or company.

Example: “Building strong relationships with our clients ensures long-term partnerships and business growth.”

4. Diversify

The strategy of increasing the range of products or services offered to spread risk and opportunities.

Example: “To minimize risks associated with market fluctuations, our company decided to diversify its product line.”

5. Innovate

To make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.

Example: “To stay ahead of the competition, we need to innovate continuously and offer unique solutions to our customers.”

6. Negotiate

To discuss something formally in order to reach an agreement, especially in business or trade.

Example: “We need to negotiate better terms with our suppliers to improve our profit margins.”

7. Portfolio

A range of investments held by a person or organization, or a range of products or services offered by a business.

Example: “Our investment portfolio is diversified across various sectors to ensure balanced growth.”

8. Revenue

The income generated from normal business operations and includes discounts and deductions for returned merchandise.

Example: “Our main goal this year is to increase our revenue by 20% through new customer acquisition and retention strategies.”

9. Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim, especially in business or marketing.

Example: “Our marketing strategy focuses on digital channels to reach a wider audience more effectively.”

10. Venture

A business enterprise or speculation in which something is risked in the hope of profit.

Example: “Our new venture into the renewable energy market is a bold step towards sustainability and long-term profitability.”

Practice Makes Perfect

Using these business English words every day at work can help you talk better and look more professional to the people you work with, your customers, and your partners. The best way to get really good at business English is to keep practicing it in real work situations. Try to use these words when you’re in meetings, writing emails, or talking about work to get more comfortable with them.

And for more practice with all kinds of words and talking, check out our ELSA Speak app. It’s a great tool for getting better at speaking and understanding English.