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BULATS. Pre intermediate Voc
English Part of Speech
Definition
UNIT 1
accountant n a person who keeps the records of money that is received and spent by a company
accounts n the records of all the money that a company has received or spent
atmosphere n the character or feeling of a place or situation
book-keeping n the job of keeping a record of the money that is received and spent by a company
consultant n a person who advises people on a subject that they are an expert in
coordinate v make all the different people and different parts of an activity work together in an organised way
correspondence n letters, especially ofcial or business letters
deadline n a time or day by which something must be done
executive n a person in a high position in an organisation who makes decisions
faulty adj not well-made or not working correctly
hectic adj very busy and fast
human resources pl n the part of a business that deals with nding new employees, keeping records of employees and helping them with any problems, etc.
invoice n a list of things bought or work done with the price, for payment later
laboratory n a room or building with equipment for doing scientic tests
manic adj very busy
marketing n a group of activities to help sell a product or service by considering buyers wants and needs
meticulous adj very careful and paying a lot of attention to detail
minutes pl n the ofcial record of what people say and decide during a meeting
payroll n a list of people employed in a company, showing how much each person is paid
personnel pl n the people who work in an organisation
policy n a set of rules or a plan of what to do in a particular situation
prioritise v decide which tasks are the most important
quality control n the activity of looking at goods or services to make sure that they are of the correct standard
research and development (R and D)
n the department in a business which deals with planning new products and trying to improve existing ones
retailer n a person who sells products to the public
springboard n something which provides energy at the start of an action
stock v provide something for people to buy
wealthy adj rich
welfare n a persons health and happiness
UNIT 2
access n the opportunity to see or use something
call off v decide not to do a planned activity
challenge n something that is difcult to do
challenging adj difcult in a way which tests your ability or determination
colleague n a person who you work with
come up with v produce (an idea or suggestion)
competitive adj equal to or better than others
face to face adj looking directly at one another
exible adj able to be changed easily according to the situation
open-door management style
a system where managers deal with employees problems quickly and directly
pension n money which is paid regularly to a person who has retired
pension scheme n a system into which an employee and employer make regular payments for a period of years, so that the employee can receive a pension when they retire
pool v allow something to be collected and shared by everyone in a group
potential n a persons or products ability to develop and succeed
proposal n a suggestion, sometimes a written one
put forward v state (an opinion or suggestion) for other people to consider
rewarding adj satisfying because you feel it is important or useful
role n the position or purpose that a person has in an organisation
standard adj usual or normal
strategy n a plan for achieving success
workforce n the group of people who work in a company
UNIT 3
advertising campaign n a series of activities to advertise something
award n a prize for achieving something
billboard n a large board used to display advertisements
chain n a number of shops, hotels, etc. which are owned by the same company
charitable trust a trust which is formed with the aim of giving money to charity
collective n a business which is owned or controlled by the people who work in it
commercial n an advertisement on TV or radio
decline n a situation where something becomes less in number or amount
depression n a long period when there is very little business activity and not many jobs
exhibition n an event where companies show their products to the public
founding n start (a new company or organisation)
growth n the process of increasing in number or size
inherit v receive money or a business from a person after they have died
launch v show something for the rst time
leading adj the most important
merge v join together
mill n a building tted with machinery for a manufacturing process
packaging n the material put around goods before they are sold
pension fund n an amount of money which people can pay into while working, which is then used to make regular payments to them after they retire
philanthropist n a person who gives money and help to people who need it
poverty n the situation of being poor
privatise v sell a company which is owned by the government to a private company or a member of the public
rivet n a metal pin, usually used to join pieces of metal together
share n any of the equal parts into which a companys capital is divided
slogan n a short phrase used in advertising which is easy to remember
take over v get control of or responsibility for something (e.g. a company)
trust n an organisation which controls money or property for the benet of other people
wrapper n a piece of paper or plastic which covers something that you buy (especially food)
UNIT 4
backre v have the opposite result of what you wanted
booked up adj with no free places for extra appointments
broadband n a telecommunications system which allows information to be sent quickly between computers and other electronic equipment
cluttered adj full of unnecessary things
competitor n a person, company or product which is trying to be more successful than another in the same market
download v copy data from one computer system to another or to a disk
exchange rate n the amount of one currency which you can buy with a particular amount of another currency
gimmick n something which is used to get peoples attention but which isnt very useful
graphic n image which is shown on a computer screen
handling charge n the cost of moving goods from one place to another
hard copy n a paper copy of information which came from a computer
home page n the rst page that you should see when you look at a website
load v abbreviation of download
logo n a design or symbol which is used by a company to advertise its products
online adj connected to the internet
purchase v buy
search engine n a computer programme which nds information on the Internet using words that you type in
set up v organise (an event); start (a new business)
time-consuming adj needing a lot of time
up to date adj modern or containing the most recent information
update v make something more modern or give the most recent information to
UNIT 5
agricultural adj connected with farming
assemble v build something by joining different parts together
blade n the sharp metal part of a machine or piece of equipment which is used to cut something
bulb (abbr. of light bulb) n a glass object which produces light from electricity
cable n a wire, usually covered by plastic, which carries electricity or telecommunication signals
card index n a box for storing cards in a particular order
charge v store electrical energy in
craftsman n a person who uses special skills to make things, especially with their hands
crash v suddenly stop working
device n a piece of equipment which does a particular job
dismantle v take something apart so that it is in several pieces
fasten v x something together, or x one thing to another
le n a type of container used to store documents
gadget n a small piece of equipment which does a particular job
hole punch n a small piece of equipment used for making holes in paper
jam v become unable to work because a part is stuck
lead n a wire which connects a piece of electrical equipment to the electricity supply
lever n a handle that you push or pull to make a machine work
paper clip n a small piece of bent metal used for holding papers together
permanent adj lasting forever or for a very long time
pliers pl n a piece of equipment with two handles for pulling small things (e.g. nails) or for cutting wire
premises pl n the land and buildings owned by an organisation
run out v use all of something so that there is none left
seminar n a meeting of a group of people for discussion or training
shredder n a machine used for cutting documents into very small pieces
stapler n a small piece of equipment used to x papers together by pushing a small piece of metal through them
temporary adj lasting for only a short time
tool n a piece of equipment which you use with your hands to make or repair something
upgrade v improve the quality or usefulness of something
UNIT 6
authorise v give ofcial permission for something
blend v mix two or more things together
budget n a plan which shows how much money you have and how you will spend it
budget holder n the person responsible for a particular budget
dissolve v (of a solid) become part of a liquid
evaporate v (of a liquid) change into gas
evaporation n the act of evaporating
extract v take something out of something else
extraction n the act of extracting something
ling cabinet n a piece of furniture in an ofce used for holding documents
ingredient n any of the substances used to make something, especially food
in-house adj done within a company by its employees, not by people from outside the company
label n a small piece of paper, material, etc. attached to an object which gives information about it
production plant n a place where an industrial or manufacturing process takes place
productivity n a measure which compares the value of what a company produces with the time and money which it spends producing it
promote v encourage the popularity and sales of a product
sample n a small amount of something which shows you what it is like
stationery n things which you use for writing (e.g. pens and paper)
supplier n a company which provides products or services
target n a result that you intend to achieve
target market n the group of people that a product is aimed at
vat n a large container for mixing or storing liquids, especially in a factory
UNIT 7
backlog n a large amount of work or matters which are waiting to be done
bankers card (also bank card, cheque card)
n a card which you show when you pay for something by cheque to show that the bank promises to pay your cheques
bear with someone v wait while a person does something
catalogue n a book with a list of all the goods you can buy from a shop or company
courier n a person who transports documents or products
customs pl n the place at an airport or port through which goods must pass to make sure they are not illegal and where any tax must be paid
cut off v break the connection during a telephone call
discount n a reduction in the usual price
engaged adj (of a telephone line) unavailable because already being used by another person
extension n a telephone, especially one with its own additional number on a line leading from the main switchboard
freight n goods which are carried from one place to another by ship, rail, plane or truck
freight forwarding specialist
n a person or company who arranges for goods to be transported from one place to another
get through v succeed in speaking to somebody on the telephone
hang up v nish a telephone conversation and put the telephone down
heavy-duty adj especially strong so that it can be used in difcult conditions
hold on v wait for a short time
hold the line v wait for a short time (on the telephone)
intellectual property (IP) n a persons or companys rights to prot from their idea or design (without another person copying it)
log off v top a computer being connected to a computer system, when you want to stop working
packing list n a list of goods that are packed and ready to send
patent n the legal right to be the only person or company to make or sell an invention for a certain number of years
put through v connect a person to another telephone extension
ring off v nish a telephone conversation and put the telephone down
sales channel n the way or place in which something is sold
switchboard n a piece of equipment for the manual control of telephone connections
trade fair n an event where companies show and sell their products to retailers or other companies who work in the same
eld
trademark n a legally registered name or symbol which represents a company or product and cannot be used by another company
warehouse n a large building for storing goods before they are sold
UNIT 8
banner n an advertisement that appears across the top of a webpage
brand identity n the values and qualities which people associate with a particular brand
carrier n a company, usually an airline, which transports goods or people from one place to another
channel n a way of getting something done or a way of communicating with people
channel of distribution (also distribution channel)
n the way in which goods are transported from producers to buyers
classied ad n a small advertisement in a newspaper or magazine
fare n the money a passenger must pay for a journey
forecast v say what you expect to happen in the future
glamour n an attractive and exciting quality
green n concerned with the protection of the environment
hospitality n the action of entertaining people in a welcoming and friendly way
innovation n the use of new ideas and methods
lifecycle n the length of time that people continue to buy a particular product
lifespan n the length of time a machine or piece of equipment is expected to last
market leader n a company which sells more of a type of product than its competitors
market research n activities to obtain and study information about the things which people buy or want to buy
market share n the percentage of sales which a company has for a type of product compared with its competitors
pop-up n an advertisement which appears in a separate window on a webpage
public relations (PR) pl n the activity of keeping good relationships between an organisation and the public
small ad n see classied ad
word of mouth n the process of getting to know about a product by hearing about it from friends, colleagues, etc.
UNIT 9
agenda n a list of things to be discussed in a meeting
branch n any of the ofces or shops that belong to a large company
brand n a type of product made by a company under a particular name
catering n the activity of providing food and drink
compact adj closely and neatly packed together to save space
connection n a train or plane which passengers arriving on another train or plane can catch to continue their journey.
demonstrate v show something (e.g. a product) and explain how it works
demonstration n the act of showing something and explaining how it works
entertain v show hospitality to a business client (e.g. by taking them to an event or a restaurant)
entertainment n action of showing hospitality
organiser n a small le or diary where you record your appointments and other useful information
pick someone up v collect a person or object from somewhere
rep n (abbr. of representative)
representative n an agent of a company who travels to clients to sell products
retire v stop working because of old age or ill health
stylish adj of high quality in appearance and design
voicemail n an electronic telephone answering system
wall planner n a poster to put on the wall showing the days of the year so that you can write appointments on it
UNIT 10
aisle n the passage between seats on an aeroplane
boarding card (also boarding pass)
n the card that a passenger must have to show that they have passed security checks before getting on a plane
check-in desk n the place at the airport where you show your ticket, give in your luggage and receive your boarding card
debt n money that is owed to a person or company
departure lounge n the area in an airport where passengers wait before they get on a plane
dip n a movement downwards to a lower level or number
duty-free shop n a shop in an airport or on board a ship where you can buy goods without paying government tax
fee n payment made to a professional person in exchange for advice or services
glove compartment n a small cupboard in the front of a car for storing small objects
heavy goods train n a train used for transporting large goods
locker n a small cupboard which can be locked, usually one of several placed together in a public place
put off v arrange to delay an event or appointment until a later time
reschedule v change the arranged time of something
road tax n a tax you must pay on your vehicle before you are allowed to drive it on the road
shuttle n a vehicle or aeroplane that travels regularly between two places
soar v rise quickly to a high level or number
thriving adj growing and successful
venue n the place where an event or meeting takes place
UNIT 11
audiovisual equipment n equipment that allows you to hear and see something (e.g. a presentation)
capacity n the total amount that can be contained or produced
conference n a formal meeting of people from the same type of business or with the same interests, usually lasting a few days
convert v to change in form, character or use
delegate n a person sent to represent others at a conference
downgrade v reduce a person or thing to a lower position
ipchart n a board with large pieces of paper xed at the top which can be turned over
gym (abbr. of gymnasium)
n a large room with equipment for doing physical exercises
high-tech adj using the most advanced technology and equipment
IDD (International Direct Dialling) phone
n a phone which you can use to make international calls without going through an operator
laundry service n a service offered by some hotels for washing, drying and ironing guests clothes
lecture n a formal talk to a group of people on a particular subject
partition n a structure, usually a thin wall, which separates one part of a room from another
safe n a locked cupboard where you can keep money and other valuable items
stage n the area of a theatre where actors perform or lecturers give their talks
state-of-the-art adj using the most recent technology and ideas
suite n a set of connected rooms in a hotel
video conferencing n a telecommunications system in which two or more people in different parts of the world can talk to each other and see each other on a TV screen
UNIT 12
approach n a way of dealing with a situation or problem
autonomy n a companys ability to choose and organise its own systems and activities
ban v not allow a person to do or have something
chairman (also chairwoman, chairperson)
n the person in charge of a meeting, conference or organisation
diverse adj made up of a variety of different things or different types of people
feedback n information about a product or person, used as a basis for improvement
headquarters n the managerial centre of an organisation
negotiate v have formal discussions with a person in order to reach an agreement
ofce politics pl n the relationships (good and bad) between people who work in the same ofce
panel n a small group of people brought together to decide or discuss something
parcel n an object wrapped in paper so it can be sent by post
questionnaire n a list of questions, usually with a choice of answers, in order to collect information about a subject
rumour n an interesting story, which may or may not be true, that people are talking about
stand n a temporary display area where products are shown, often at a conference or trade fair
survey n a study of the opinions of a group of people, based on a list of questions
task n a piece of work
team-building n activities to encourage people to build relationships with each other and work together as a team
UNIT 13
associate n a person you know because of work or business
badge n a small piece of plastic or metal with words or design (e.g. your name and company) to attach to your clothes
be based in v live or work mainly in this place
consultancy n a company that gives expert advice on a particular subject
crate n a large box used for storing or moving things
draw n a competition where people are given numbered tickets which are chosen at random to decide winners of prizes
ethos n the set of beliefs and ambitions which are typical of a group or company
oristry n the business of arranging and selling owers
framework n order or structure
insolvency n the situation when a company does not have enough money to pay its debts
lapel pin n a pin which is used to fasten something (e.g. a badge) to the front of your jacket
mailshot n a piece of advertising material sent to a large number of addresses
mission n the purpose or aim of an organisation
motto n a short sentence or phrase which expresses a belief or purpose
put down to v think something is caused by something else in particular
referral n the act of directing someone to another person or place for help or business
stafng n the action of providing employees for an organisation
telemarketing n selling goods or services by telephone
turnover n the amount of money taken by a business in a particular period
wind up v gradually bring an activity to an end
UNIT 14
body language n the movements and positions of your body which show other people how you are feeling, often without you knowing it
bonus n an extra amount of money paid to a person for good performance
commemorate v ofcially remember, with respect, people or an event, especially with a ceremony
department store n a large shop selling a variety of goods in different departments
eye contact n the situation when two people look at each others eyes at the same time
giant n a very large, successful company
harmony n peacefulness or agreement
host n a person who invites other people as guests
job description n a written list of the responsibilities you have and things you are expected to do in your work
minimal adj of a very small amount
offence n feeling of annoyance or hurt
pharmaceutical adj concerned with the preparation of medicinal drugs
product positioning n the way that people think about a product compared with competing products, or the way that the company would like them to think
punctual adj arriving or doing things at the correct time, not later
small talk n polite conversation about unimportant things
spectrum n the range of possible opinions, feelings or ways of behaving
to the point adj directly expressed and suitable for the topic being discussed
unwrap v remove the paper or material that covers something
wrap v cover something with paper or material
UNIT 15
act on v do what is suggested
at the cutting edge at the most recent stage of development
average n a standard or level which is considered to be normal or the number obtained by adding two or more amounts together and dividing the total by the number of amounts
block booking n a booking (e.g. for a hotel) for a group of people
boom n a period when a country or industry is very successful
break down barriers v improve understanding and communication between people
break the ice v make people who do not know each other well feel more relaxed with each other
committed adj willing to give your time and energy to something that you believe in
conict n a serious disagreement or argument
cooperate v work together for a particular purpose
cooperative adj willing to work with people and do what they ask
creative adj producing and using new and unusual ideas
crisis n a situation which has reached a very difcult point, or a time of great disagreement and uncertainty
dominate v have control over a person or group of people
forum n a meeting for the exchange of opinions
handout n a piece of printed information, sometimes given by a speaker to their audience
implement v put into action
interact v communicate and work together
in-tray n a container on a desk for letters and documents to be dealt with later
maintenance n the activity of keeping a building or machinery in good condition
object n the aim or purpose of doing something
objective n something you plan to achieve
original adj not the same as anything else and therefore special and interesting
participant n a person who takes part or gets involved in something (e.g. a training course)
review v consider something in order to decide if changes should be made
stand for v be an abbreviation of or symbol for
talented adj having a natural ability to be good at something
wisdom n the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good judgements
UNIT 16
close a deal v nalise a business agreement
courteous adj polite and respectful
deal n a business agreement
demanding adj needing a lot of time, attention or energy
desalination n the process of removing salt from sea water
etiquette n the usual rules of polite behaviour in a certain social
situation extend v offer or give
get down to v begin to do or give serious attention to
impressed adj feeling admiration for something
in due course adv at a suitable time in the future
irrigation n the process of supplying land with water so that plants can grow
machinery n a group of large machines or the parts of a machine which make it work
outing n a short trip taken for pleasure
speciality n a product for which a person, region or restaurant is famous
UNIT 17
account for v supply or make up (a certain amount)
bar chart (also bar graph) n a diagram in which different amounts are represented by rectangles of different length
uctuate v rise and fall irregularly in number or amount
uctuation n an irregular rise and fall in number or amount
gross domestic product (GDP)
n the total value of goods and services which are produced within a country
level off v stop rising or falling and stay at the same level
line graph n a diagram in which changes in amount over time are represented by a line
make inroads v start to have a noticeable effect
make up v compose or form
negligible adj too small in number to be important
overtake v become a greater amount (than something else)
peak n the highest point or value of something
pie chart n a circle divided into parts that shows the way in which something (e.g. population or amount of money) is divided up
recover v improve after a period of weakness or low value
recovery n the process of improving after a period of weakness or low value
static adj staying at the same value without changing for a long period of time
trend n a general direction in which something is developing or changing
unemployment rate n the percentage of the working population who do not have a job
UNIT 18
acquisition n the purchase of one company by another
assembly n the process of putting together parts (e.g. of a machine, product or structure)
bankrupt adj unable in law to pay debts and therefore forced to stop operating
break even v have neither prot nor loss at the end of a business activity
capital n money used to invest, lend or borrow
capital employed n the money that a business invests back into the company
cashow n the amount of money moving into and out of a business
chase payment v try to make a person pay the money that they owe
component n a part which combines with other parts to form something bigger
cover costs v make enough money to pay for expenses
creditor n a person or organisation that a company owes money to
curriculum vitae n a written description of a persons qualications and previous employment
debtor n a person or organisation that owes money to a company
decit n the amount of money that a business has lost in a particular period of time
gross adj total, before any costs or taxes are deducted
liquidation n the situation when a company closes because of nancial difculties and its assets are sold to pay its debts
net adj remaining after deduction of tax and other costs
operating prot n the prot that a company makes from its usual activity
overheads n the regular costs which are involved in running a business (e.g. rent or electricity)
overspend v spend more than was originally planned
pay off v pay back the full amount
pre-tax return n the money that a company earns from something before tax is deducted
protability n the state of producing a prot
rsum (US) n see curriculum vitae
return n a prot from an investment
revenue n an organisations income or the money it receives
subsidiary n one company which is owned or more than 50% owned by another
takeover n the action of taking control of one company by another after purchasing a majority of shares
write off a debt v cancel the record of a bad debt
UNIT 19
bear market n a nancial market where prices are falling
bond n a certicate issued by a government or public company which promises to repay money at a xed rate of interest at a specied time
broker n a person who buys and sells shares for others
building society n a nancial organisation that pays interest on members savings and lends money for the purchase of property
bull market n a nancial market where prices are rising
commission n an amount of money paid to an agent for arranging a sale or purchase
commodity n a substance or agricultural product that can be bought or sold in large amounts
dividend n the part of a companys prots which is divided between its shareholders
dividend yield n the amount of prot paid to shareholders, calculated as a percentage of the current share price
downturn n a reduction in business activity
equities n stocks and shares which pay no xed amount of interest
oat v sell shares of a company on the stock market for the rst time
otation n the process of offering shares of a company for sale to the public for the rst time
outperform v perform better than another
portfolio n a collection of investments; all the products and services offered by a business
racecourse n a ground or track for horse or dog racing
sector n a distinct part of the economy
shareholder n a person who owns shares in a company
stake n a share or interest in a company
stock exchange n the place where stocks and shares in companies are bought and sold
stock n shares, or a certain number of shares
UNIT 20
asset n something valuable belonging to a business (e.g. machinery) which could be used for the payment of debts
business angel n a private investor who provides money for new businesses
business plan n a document giving details of a companys expected sales, costs and future nancial planning
corporation n a large company or group of companies which acts as a single organisation and is recognised as such in law
data management n control and organisation of information held on computer databases
entrepreneur n a person who starts up their own business, especially one which involves risk
ood v arrive in large numbers
format n the way in which information is arranged and stored
loan n the act of lending something, or the money which is lent
merger n the process when two or more companies join together to form a larger company
monitor v watch and check for a period of time
pump money into v spend a lot of money on something to try to make it successful
raise money v collect money
relocation n the process of moving to a new place
resign v leave a job because you want to
savings pl n money kept in a bank to use later
secure a loan v make certain that money which is lent will be paid back by giving the lender the right to own an asset (e.g. the house) of the borrower, if the money is not paid back
shelf life n the length of time that a product, especially food, can be kept in a shop before it becomes too old to sell
tap into v make use of something, especially peoples interest or ability
venture capitalist n a person who makes money available for investment in a new company, especially a risky one
UNIT 21
applicant n a person who applies for something, especially a job
appoint v ofcially choose a person for a job
candidate n a person who applies for a job
fullling adj making you feel happy and satised
highlight v attract attention to
jobseeker n a person who is looking for a job
prole n a short description of a person which gives only the most important details
recruitment n the process of nding new people to work for a company
recruitment agency n a business that makes its money by nding suitable people for employers who need new workers
referee n a person who conrms in writing an applicants character or ability
reference n a letter from a previous employer or teacher to conrm a persons ability or reliability
shortlist v put a person on a list of candidates from which a nal choice is made
turn down v reject or refuse
vacancy n a job that no one is doing (and therefore available for a new person to do)
voluntary adj done willingly, without being paid for it
UNIT 22
break the news v tell a person about something unpleasant which will affect or upset them
computer-literate adj having knowledge of how to use and work with computers
credit checking n the activity of looking at a persons record of repaying loans and advising whether or not to give them a new loan
discrimination n the act or system of treating different groups of people in different ways, especially unfairly
dismiss n remove from a job, especially when a person has done something wrong
re v see dismiss
hand in your notice v tell your employer that you intend to leave your job
hire v employ a person to do a particular job
interviewee n the candidate during an interview
interviewer n the person who asks the candidate questions during an interview
job security n the situation of having a job which is likely to be permanent.
lay off v stop employing a worker temporarily or permanently because there is not enough work
make someone redundant
v stop employing a person because there is no longer enough work for them, or because the company cannot afford to continue employing them
promotion n the situation when a person is raised to a higher or more important position in their work
pull funding v stop giving money for something
quit v leave
redundant adj no longer employed because there is not enough work
sack v see dismiss
sell off v get rid of something by selling it cheaply
stereotype n a xed idea, especially one that is wrong, that people have about a type of person or thing
surveyor n a person who measures and records the details of areas of land or a person who is trained to examine buildings and discover if there are any problems with the structure
venture n a new business activity which involves risk or uncertainty
UNIT 23
anonymous adj without the writers name on it
appraisal n a meeting between an employee and their manager to discuss the employees progress, aims and needs at work, or the report which summarises this meeting
appraisee n the employee who is receiving the appraisal
appraiser n the manager who gives the appraisal
balance sheet n a document which shows a companys nancial position, i.e. its wealth, assets and debts, at a particular time
compromise n ending an argument or difference of opinion by each side agreeing to some of the demands of the other
corporate rate n a special price offered to companies
credibility n a persons ability to make other people believe and trust them
expertise n a high level of knowledge or skill
eye-opener n something that surprises you and teaches you new facts about people or life
follow-up adj thing done or action taken to continue something done before
income statement n a statement showing the amount of money earned and spent by a company in a particular period of time
motivation n enthusiasm
on the ball adj showing up-to-date knowledge and/or an ability to think and act quickly
refresher course n a training course to bring a persons knowledge up to date, especially knowledge needed for a job
revolutionise v completely change something so that it is much better
stalemate n a situation where neither side in an argument can win and no action can be aken
trainee n a person who is being taught certain skills for a job
UNIT 24
absentee n a person who is not at work when they should be
absenteeism n the problem of employees not being at work when they should be
audit n an ofcial examination of something by an expert, usually the accounts of a business
counselling n the process of listening to a person and giving them professional advice about their problems
email overload the situation when you receive more emails than you can manage
folder n a collection of les kept together on a computer
goal n an aim or purpose
icon n a small picture or symbol on a computer screen which the user can click on with the mouse
open question n a question to which the answer is not just yes or no
overload n too much of something
sick leave n the length of time that an employee is allowed to be
absent from work because of illness and still receive pay
sick pay n the money that an employer pays to a person who is absent from work because of illness
spreadsheet n a computer programme for doing nancial calculations and plans
voting buttons n an email system where a group of people are asked the same question which they answer by clicking a button with their chosen reply
Upper-intermediate Voc
English Part of Speech
Definition
UNIT 1
appraisal n assessment or evaluation of how well you do your job
bonus scheme n company system in which employees receive extra payments if certain targets are reached
book-keeping n recording the money that an organisation or business spends and receives
computer literate adj able to use a computer competently
core n central, essential
dedicated adj designed especially for that use
degree n university qualication
rm n company
ying start n very good beginning
goal n aim, objective, target
graduate n someone who has obtained a university degree
hands-on adj practical, not theoretical
high ier n someone with a lot of ability and ambition who is expected to be successful
in-house adj taking place within the company
key adj very important, essential
learning goals: meet the learning goals
v provide good enough instruction in what the employees want to learn
limited adj company where each shareholder is responsible for the companys debts up to but no more than the amount that he/she has invested in the company
monitor v watch carefully and record the results
on-the-job training n training while you are working
peer n person at the same level as you in a company
permanent contract n an employment agreement which is not for a limited period of time
promising adj showing signs of being likely to develop successfully
promote v give someone a better-paid, more responsible job; advertise or publicise a product or service so that people will buy it
recruit n someone who has recently started working for a company
salary n money paid regularly to employees for doing a job
skill n ability to do something well
staff development n expansion of skills and consequent possible promotion for employees
study leave n period of time away from work for study
tailor-made adj specially designed to meet individual needs
track record n reputation based on things done up to now
workload n the amount of work you have to do
UNIT 2
accounting n activity of preparing and maintaining nancial records
areas n departments
audit v check that nancial statements and accounts are correct
baby: your own baby n project or piece of work that you care about a lot because it was your idea
board of directors n top-level managers of a company
candidate n person applying for a job
cashier n the person who takes the money when customers pay at a supermarket
CEO n short for Chief Executive Ofcer
challenging adj difcult and demanding to do
checkout n the place in a supermarket where you pay for your shopping
Chief Executive Ofcer n highest manager with responsibility for the day-to-day running of a company
Chief Information Ofcer n manager responsible for information and computer systems
CIO n short for Chief Information Ofcer
customer relations n approach to management which recognizes the value of building and maintaining a long-term relationship with customers through, e.g. special credit cards, loyalty cards
customer service n giving customers good service
deadline n nal time by which a task or job must be completed
Finance Manager n the manager responsible for the accounting and nancial affairs of a company
nancial year n the -month period for which a company produces accounts
re v dismiss someone from their job
forecast v predict business and nancial performance for the future
fullling adj making you happy or satised
graduation n the moment of successfully completing ones university course
HRM n Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager n the manager responsible for recruiting, training and managing employees
incentive event n conference or other event which companies use for thanking customers and rewarding their staff
interviewee n person being interviewed
IT n short for Information Technology; computer and telecommunications technology
launch v start selling a product or service for the rst time
lifestyle n, adj the way that you live your life
management accounting n preparing nancial information to help management decisions
Managing Director n highest manager with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the company, Chief Executive Ofcer
Marketing Consultant n someone whom companies employ to give advice about how to market their products or services
PA n short for Personal Assistant
part-time job n job which is only done for part of the working week, less than a full-time job
performance n how well a person or company does
Personal Assistant n someone who is employed to do secretarial and administrative tasks, especially for a manager
PRO n short for Public Relations Ofcer, the person responsible for ensuring that the public think well of a company
R&D n short for Research and Development
recruitment n the activity of nding and employing new people to work in an organisation
relief n person who takes the place of another worker so that he/she can have a break
reporting to me that I have authority over
Research and Development n the activity of investigating and developing new products
role n job or function in a company
routine correspondence n normal, everyday letters and emails which are not special
selling point n characteristic of a product that makes people want to buy it
smooth-talking adj good at persuading people, not to be trusted
supervisor n person who makes sure people do their jobs properly
target n goal or objective decided in advance against which performance can be measure
thrive on v really enjoy
treasurer n the person who looks after the money in an organisation
vision n plan or hope for the future
workwise adj as far as work is concerned
UNIT 3
academic background n what you have studied and the qualications you have received
common sense n practical, sensible thinking and judgement
consumer product n product bought by the public and not by companies
CV n short for curriculum vitae: a written summary of work experience and qualications sent to a possible employer by someone applying for a job
found out adj shown to be dishonest
full-on adj total
gig n performance, concert
go about v start dealing with
go straight in the bin v be thrown away without being looked at
innovation n new idea or product
job satisfaction n feeling of pleasure and achievement in your job
kiosk n small building where products are sold
online distribution n the supply of goods through the Internet
perk n extra payment or benet which is not part of your salary, e.g. a company car
promotion n being given a better-paid, more responsible job
receptive adj willing to listen and accept
referee n person who gives information about your experience and ability when you apply for a job
reect v show or represent
release n the moment when something is available for the public to buy
scope n opportunities
snail mail n letters sent by post compared with the speed of email
words of wisdom pl n very good advice
UNIT 4
bring up details v nd information on a computer
critical adj very important
details: bring up your details v nd information about you on my computer
great deal n a lot
hang on v (inf) wait a moment
intended recipient n the person you wanted to contact
put someone on hold v make someone wait to speak to the person they have called on the phone
screen: get it up on the screen
v see, bring up your details
update v add new information to
vacancy n available job
Unit 5
brand awareness n knowledge among people in general that a certain brand exists
branding n giving a company or product a particular design or symbol in order to give it an identity for marketing and advertising purposes
brochure n magazine published by a company advertising or giving information about its products and services
capitalise on v benefit from, take advantage of
centrepiece n the most important or attractive part or feature of something
dating skills pl n ability to begin a romantic relationship
direct mail n publicity sent directly to a person's home
drawback n disadvantage
dream up v invent
essence n most important quality
focus group n group of people who are paid to discuss and give their opinions for market research
gift n something which is given to you
hit n time when someone visits a website
hype v publicise strongly, advertise in an exaggerated way
leaflet n printed material of a page or a few pages publicising or giving information about product and training
log on v start using a computer; visit a website
logo n design which represents a company or a product
lottery n game in which numbered tickets are sold to people who then have the chance of winning the prize if their number is chosen
market share n the percentage of the market which is taken by a particular product in comparison with competitors' products
online publicity n advertisements on the Internet
overheads pl n the regular and necessary costs, such as rent and heating, that are involved in operating a business
pay a premium v pay a higher price
ploy n tactic or trick, especially when used in marketing
point-of-sales display n where products are arranged in a shop in a way which advertises them to customers
post v pin on the walls
profit margin n the percentage difference between income and sales
promotional activities n ways of advertising something
purchase n something which you buy
recognition n appreciation and acceptance
reinvent v change the appearance or characteristics of something, modify
retail adj selling goods in small amounts to customers in shops; v sell to customers in shops
sample n small example which shows what the rest of something is like
slogan n short, easily remembered phrase used to advertise something
sponsorship n helping by giving money to an event such as a sporting event and in that way getting publicity
switch v change
target audience n person or particular group of people at whom something is directed
task n job
website n computer le with words and pictures which you can reach through the Internet
UNIT 6
cashow n the amount of money moving through a business
chill-out zone n area for people to relax in
co-founder n person you begin a company with
contacts n people, especially in high positions, who can give you useful information or introductions which will help you at work
customer base n regular customers
customised adj made especially to suit the users needs
decent adj good
deli n small shop that sells high-quality foods, such as types of cheese and cold cooked meat, which often come from other countries
entrepreneurial skills pl n abilities connected with starting a new business
found v set up or establish a company or organisation
FT n a commonly used abbreviation for the Financial Times, an important British newspaper for people who are interested in nance, business and economics, printed on pink paper
gap in the market n opportunity to sell a new product which isnt being sold already
generic adj relating to a group of similar things rather than one thing in particular
keep momentum v keep something developing after it has started
label n company name or symbol
line: new line n new type of product
niche product n product which only interests very specialised customers and does not interest the mass market
on the market adv for sale
on the road adv travelling to different places
opt for v choose
outsell v sell more than other products
packaged v wrapped and displayed so that people will want to buy
personal touch n having personal contact with and being aware of the needs of every individual customer to make them feel special
pitch v aim, direct
player: big player n large and powerful business
prohibitive adj so expensive that you cannot afford it
projected adj planned
sachet n small, closed container made of paper or plastic containing a small amount of something, usually only enough for one occasion
secure a site v rent a building or part of a building to run a business from
soar v rise very fast
sponsor v support nancially in order to get publicity for your company
stand n arrangement of shelves and tables at an exhibition where an organisation offers information, goods or services
start-up n small business that has just been started
stir n a lot of interest
supply chain n the network of companies who bring goods from manufacture through wholesale supply and distribution to a retailer
take off v start selling well, become a popular product
takings pl n income received in a shop from selling goods
turnover n total income of a company from sales of its products or services; sales
upmarket adj expensive, high-quality, appealing to the luxury end of the market
word of mouth people telling each other about how good a product is
write-up n report, article
UNIT 7
budget n money you have available to spend
deliver v provide what was promised
edge n advantage
rst-come-rst-serve dealt with in the order in which people ask
keen adj competitive
liaise v communicate and exchange information
man v be present at, help to run
meet your brief v carry out your instructions
power cut n interruption in the electricity supply
server n central computer from which other computers obtain information
stand out v make people notice
trade event n event within a particular business or industry
UNIT 8
bulk: in bulk adj in large quantities
carry a lot of stock v keep a large amount of stock in a shop / chain of shops
come back to you on that v talk to you again in order to give you further information
gadget n small device or machine with a particular purpose
get in v arrive
mark-up n amount by which the price of something is increased before it is sold again
payment terms pl n arrangements made for payment, especially the amount of money and the period of time agreed
pop v (inf) put
recommended retail price (RRP)
n price at which a manufacturer suggests a product should be sold, although this may be reduced by the retailer
repeat order n something which you order again
sight: at sight adv payable immediately, when the item is presented
sort out v discuss, deal with
stick to v not change or be forced to change
stock v keep a supply of a product in the shop
take a seat v (formal) sit down
terms and conditions n the details in an agreement or contract
UNIT 9
buy into v invest in
competition n other companies which produce the same goods or services as your company
credit facilities pl n arrangement to borrow or owe money in order to buy goods
drop the idea v decide not to continue
entrepreneur n person who starts up a new business
estate agencies n businesses that arrange the selling, renting or management of property and land for their owners
failure rate n the number which do not succeed
fat cat n someone who has a lot of money and who has the power to increase their own income
fee n money you pay for professional services
rst: in the rst place at the start
franchise n right to sell a companys products in a particular location using the companys name
go from strength to strength v become increasingly successful
go it alone v start your own business
household name n company name that most people have heard of
interior designer n person who plans the decoration of the inside of a building
legitimate adj likely and reasonable
make a go of v make successful by working hard
make redundant v re someone because their job is no longer needed
marketing n the activity of presenting products or services to customers in order to make them want to buy
never look back v become more and more successful
outlet n shop
prepared adj willing, happy
prot n money which is earned in trade or business, especially after paying the costs of producing and selling goods and services
quit v give up, leave, stop doing
redundancy money n money paid to workers that a company no longer needs, to compensate for losing their job
security n way of making sure that money which has been lent will be paid back
source v nd
take the plunge v decide to do something risky after thinking about it for a long time
terms: in terms of when talking about
trademark n name or symbol put on a product to show that it is made by a particular producer and cannot be legally used by any other producer
UNIT 10
angel investor n private investor willing to invest money in new business
application n computer program designed for a particular purpose
business card n small card to give to business contacts showing your name, job title and details of the company you work for
catch on v become popular
cold-call v phone or visit possible clients to try and sell something without any previous contact or appointment
defy a conventional business plan
v be too difcult to explain in a normal business plan
get off the ground v start
government grant n money given by the government for a special purpose
gut instinct n strong belief which cannot be explained
have something to do with v be connected with
hi-tech adj using the most modern and advanced machines and technology
loan n money which is lent or borrowed
make do v use what was available
mortgage n money which you borrow in order to buy a house
nothing to beat nothing better than
partnership n company owned by two or more people
point blank adv in a very few words without trying to be polite
principal n the amount of money borrowed
savings pl n money which is not spent but is kept to use in the future
social security n money an employer pays into a government fund to cover unemployment, sickness pay and retirement pensions
splash out v spend a lot of money on things you dont need
tax return n information given to the government about how much you have earned a year
venture capital n investment from companies which specialise in high-risk new business
wrapper n additional worksheets and other materials
written in sand adj not xed or dependable
UNIT 11
agent n company which sells another companys products on commission
bioinformatics n information science about living things
clear up v deal with, get an explanation for
cloned adj plant or animal which has the same genes as the original from which it was produced articially
cross-fertilisation of ideas n mixing of ideas from different types of people to stimulate new thinking
distributor n company which buys another companys products and sells them in a particular region
get down to v start
get onto v start dealing with
great stuff (inf) Thats excellent!
ground-breaking adj new and very different from others of its type
hush-hush adj secret
keep up with v not fall behind
knowledge industry n service industry in which employees deal in knowledge rather than products and need a high level of education and training
milestone n mark, stage, level of achievement
purpose-built adj designed and built for a particular use
right away adv immediately
sector n area of the economy
spin-out business n new, separate company based on a original organisation
state-of-the-art adj very modern
stem-cell n cell taken from a person or animal in a very early stage of devlopment that can develop into any other type of cell
strings attached special demands or limitations (on the loan)
UNIT 12
digest v take time to understand
dry up v have nothing more to say
eye contact: make eye contact
v look at peoples eyes to keep them involved
feel free to v dont be afraid to
ndings n information discovered
make the most of v take full advantage of an opportunity which will not last long
premium adj higher than usual
prompts n list of key words used to remind you what to say
slide n image which is projected onto a screen or wall
would-be adj wanting or trying to be
UNIT 13
accident: is no accident has been planned for carefully
bankrupt adj having no money; unable to continue in business because you cannot pay your debts
bear in mind v remember when making plans
bid n the price offered for a piece of work or a service
bottom line n the most important thing
break the bank v allow something to cost more than you can afford
business centre n facilities that business people can use to do work or contact people, e.g. fax machines, secretarial help, Internet connections
chain n number of businesses owned by the same company
frequent-ier program (UK programme)
n system where regular users of an airline earn points to get benets and discounts
gathering n large group meeting
gush v express so strongly that it does not sound sincere
keynote speaker n the most important speaker at a conference
loyalty program n reward system, e.g. free hotel breaks to thank regular customers for buying goods and services from a business
off-season n the time of year when there is less business activity
pitfall n likely mistake or problem
plus n advantage
practice n method
pull together v create, organise
rival n competitor, company which produces the same products or services as your company
single out v praise especially
staffer n (American English) member of staff
subscriber n person who buys a service or a magazine on a regular basis
tweak v change in small ways
what really counts v what is really important
wi- adj wireless connection by which computers can connect to the Internet up to a certain distance from where they are usually plugged in
UNIT 14
address v deal with
behind the scenes which the public dont see or meet
boom v grow rapidly and successfully
buzz n feeling of excitement
drop an email v send a short, quick email
eco-tourism n tourism connected with the environment and nature
emerging market n new or developing market
enhance v improve
entrepreneurship n the starting up of new businesses
formula n combination of things which will produce the result you want
get round to it v do what youve intended to do
implementation n putting something into action
implication n possible effect
insight n understanding
intractable adj seemingly impossible to solve
Maori poi dance n dance performed by women using balls attached to strings. The poi dance was originally used to increase the flexibility and strength in the womens hands and arms for weaving.
networking v using the opportunity to meet people it might be useful to know
old hand n very experienced person
opening n job opportunity
outstanding adj excellent
public sector n government organisations
round the clock adv all day and all night
time: for the time being for the moment
Umukai Polynesian feast n special meal where traditional food, kai (chicken, pork, sh and vegetables), is steamed under banana leaves in a pit of hot stones, an umu
up-and-coming adj successful
winning combination n a successful mixture
UNIT 15
coverage: brilliant coverage n excellent reports in both quantity and quality
occupancy rate n the average number of rooms occupied in a hotel over a period of time, in this case, a year
quarter n period of three months
UNIT 16
action point n thing assigned to specic person to be achieved before the next meeting
adjourn v stop a meeting temporarily with the intention of continuing it at a later time
call off v cancel
chair v direct or manage a meeting
get together v organise, produce
outcome n result
promotional literature n written adverts and marketing material about a company, designed to encourage people to buy its products or services
put off v delay or postpone
put solutions into practice v act to solve the problem, not just think about it and then do nothing
set up v organise
skip v not attend a meeting on purpose
while were about it at the same time
workshop n meeting of people to discuss and/or perform practical work
UNIT 17
appeals to v interests
billion n one thousand million (,,,)
classied ad n small advertisement usually placed by private individuals or small companies
cyberspace n the imaginary place where Internet data exists
date: to date up to the present time
desktop n software program where icons and les are displayed on a computer screen
dot-com: the dot-com crash n period when there was fast growth in dot-com companies. A dot-com company is one that sells goods and services through the Internet. The projected income of many companies never materialised, and a lot of shareholders' money was lost in a short space of time
e-commerce n the activity of selling goods or services through the Internet
hardware n computer equipment or machinery (as opposed to software)
knowledge worker n a person whose job requires a high level of education and training
mission n company's main purpose
network n linked computers which can share information and programs
one-stop shopping n service providing everything you need in one place
page view n individual website page read by people logged onto the Internet
PDA n short for Personal Digital Assistant
Personal Digital Assistant n mini handheld computer which has multiple functions such as word-processing, spreadsheet, diary and calendar facilities
place a premium on v make very important
real time n at the same time without having to wait
refine v improve by making small changes
roughly adj approximately
streamline v make a company, organisation or process more efficient
title effect n the way the title of a movie is brought onto the screen
top-heavy adj with too many senior managers for the size of the company
track v monitor movements of, for example, parcels or shipments
twenty-four: 24/7 (twenty-four seven)
all the time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
upside n advantage
web browser n computer program which gives you access to the Internet
UNIT 18
across the spectrum
browse v search the Internet
click v press the mouse button
down adj not working, disconnected for a time
download v transfer information from the Internet to a computer
fingertips: at your fingertips available for immediate use
get at v find, locate
home page n first/front page of a website
icon n small picture or symbol on a computer screen that you click on to open a program
information-rich site n site which people visit mainly for the information it contains
itchy ngers n people who will quickly leave your website and go to another one if they dont nd it interesting
Javascript n a computer programming language frequently used on the Internet
junk adj information sent to people, although they do not want it and have not asked for it, usually advertising products or services
knowledge: to my knowledge as far as I know
log off v close down a computer
loved one n person that you love, usually a member of your family
navigation n moving around and locating of information
online adj, adv connected to the Internet
portal n website which provides information and links to other websites
search engine n website which helps you nd other websites
set way n xed method
site map n plan of where to nd information on a website and how the pages link together
spectrum: across the spectrum
including the widest possible range of people
straightforward adj simple and easy to understand
trade: in the trade working in or involved with a particular industry
upgrade v improve the quality or usefulness
user-friendly adj easy to operate
whet someones appetite v give someone a small experience to make them more interested
UNIT 19
absenteeism n people taking time off work when they should be there
cutbacks pl n reductions made in order to save money
implement v put into operation
machine tool n tool which uses power to cut and shape strong materials
peak time n the busiest time
rush hour n the busy part of the day when people are travelling to and from work, and towns and cities are crowded
sick leave n absence from work through illness or when you say you are ill because you do not want to go to work
staff retention n keeping employees and persuading them not to work for another company
staff turnover n the number of employees leaving their jobs and new ones starting in a company
take for granted v believe something to be the truth without thinking about it
tie it into my work v plan it to t what I have to do
uptight adj stressed and easily annoyed
working party n small group of people which studies a particular problem or situation and then reports on what it has discovered and gives suggestions
working practice n way of working
work-life balance n the amount of time you spend at work compared with your free time
UNIT 20
cost-effective adj of good value to you for the amount of money paid
domestic adj from within the same country
expense: at the expense of at the same time having a negative effect on
intranets n systems of connected computers within organisations through which employees can communicate with each other and share information
justify v provide a good enough reason
leave high and dry v put in a difcult and inconvenient situation which is difcult to get out of
non-committal adj not expressing an opinion
outsource v employ companies outside the organisation to do part of the organisations work
phenomenon (pl phenomena)
n something unusual or interesting which is extremely successful
pros and cons pl n advantages and disadvantages
UNIT 21
best practice n best way of working
bond n relationship
business case n the real value to the business
business culture n the beliefs and way of behaving of a particular company
comment card n card on which customers write their opinions and suggestions
competitive advantage n having an advantage over your competitors by being better than them
competitive differentiation n the special things about a companys products that make them different from those of other companies
condence: have condence in someone
trust someones abilities
dealership n business that sells the products of a particular company, e.g. car dealership
drive v work hard to produce
empowerment n giving employees responsibility so that they have the power to make their own decisions in their job
engaged adj involved and interested
provider of choice n the company people prefer to shop with
repurchase v continue buying
return on investment n the prot made from something you have invested in
revenue n income from doing business
sample shop n typical representation of what people would normally buy
time and time again adv repeatedly
trade in v exchange
trolley n cart
vendor n person or organisation who sells something
UNIT 22
after-sales service n help or advice received after a purchase has been made
brief n set of instructions
bulletin n short, written news update
commitment n willingness to give time and energy
customer care n the way customers are treated
customer services manager n person responsible for beforeand after-sales service
discount the job v reduce the price
help desk n place customers can visit or phone when they have problems
helpline n telephone service for when customers have problems
mail order n buying goods, usually from a catalogue, by post
National Curriculum n the set of subjects that children in England and Wales must study from the age of ve to sixteeen
point of purchase n the place where a product is sold
protable adj bringing advantages
quote n price someone offers to do a job for / supply goods at
rack up v accumulate
rapport n good understanding of someone and an ability to communicate well with them
register v show, express
retain v keep
stand by v dont change
subscription service n providing a service in return for a regular payment which can be cancelled at any time
swallow v accept
take trouble v make an effort
target customer n person or organisation you would like to have as a customer
there and then adv immediately
up-front adj honest
user group n group of people who are interested in your products and can give you feedback
whatever they throw at you n all their complaints and requests
UNIT 23
deliberate v think carefully about something
door-to-door adj all the stages of a journey from the beginning to the end
hoist n machine used for lifting heavy things
long-standing adj for a long time
man hour n the amount of work one person can do in an hour
plate: a lot on my plate large amount of important work to deal with
point out v make clear
shipment n large amount of goods sent together
take notice of v give attention to
UNIT 24
abreast: keep abreast of stay informed about the most recent facts
anecdote n short, amusing story
benchmark n high level of quality which can be used as a standard when comparing other things
customer prole n description of an average customer
feature v include as an important part
get a feel for v develop a good knowledge or understanding of
hassle n trouble
keep abreast of v stay informed about the most recent facts
no end of a lot of
opposite number n person who has a similar job to you in a different organisation
retrospect: in retrospect thinking back to something in the past
understaffed adj without enough employees
English Part of Speech
Definition
UNIT 1
autocratic adj demanding absolute obedience from other people
bonus n extra amount of money that is given to you as a present or reward in addition to the money you were expecting
by the book adv formally, or according to the rules
dress code n set of rules for what you can wear
goal n aim or purpose
mentor n person who gives another person help and advice over a period of time and often also teaches them how to do their job
vision n ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. could develop in the future and to plan in a suitable way
dotcom n Internet company
publicly accountable adj responsible to the government
rat race n struggle of individuals in a competitive environment
red tape n paperwork
streamline v make more efficient
board n group of people who are responsible for controlling and organising a company or organisation
bottom line n final line in the accounts of a company or organisation, which states the total profit or loss that has been made
make redundant v no longer employ someone because there is not enough work
market share n percentage of all the sales within a market that are held by one brand or company
monitor v watch and check a situation carefully for a period of time in order to discover something about it
return n amount of profit on an investment
revenue n money earned from sales
shareholder n person who owns shares in a company
UNIT 2
delegate v give a particular job, duty, right, etc. to someone else so that they do it for you
get down to work v start to direct your efforts and attention towards work
hands-on approach n way of doing things which is practical, not theoretical
trouble-shooting skills pl
n ability to remove or solve difficulties
brand builder n developer of a products image
brand image n impression of a product in the minds of potential customers
empire n very large and important business organisation
feedback n remarks passed back to the person responsible, so that changes can be made if necessary
fire v dismiss
incompetent adj showing lack of ability or skill to do something successfully
ranks pl n the membership of a group or organisation
rate n level of payment
stake n share or financial involvement in a business
venture n new activity, usually in business, which involves risk or uncertainty
workload n amount of work to be done, especially by a particular person or machine in a period of time
administer v manage or govern
assess v judge or decide the amount, value, quality or importance of something
brand management n how a company manages its brands and brand image
crisis management n process of dealing with difficult situations
line management n direct management of staff
middle management n level between senior management and junior management
performance pay n salary that increases when your work improves or becomes more productive
quality management n managing systems in a company so that each department works effectively and produces products or services of the required standard
risk management n process of assessing and measuring possible dangers and evolving strategies to deal with them
time management n skill of administering your time so as to work effectively
UNIT 3
budget n plan to show how much money an organisation will earn and how much they will need or be able to spend
in-house magazine n publication which is written and produced within an organisation by its employees
memo n message or other information in writing sent by one person or department to another in the same business organisation
one-to-one interview n meeting between just two people
target n level or situation which you intend to achieve
timekeeping n ability to arrive at a place at the time expected
item n one of several subjects to be considered
query n question
rota n list of things that have to be done and of the people who will do them
update v give someone the most recent information
within budget adv not exceeding the amount of money you have available to spend
input n something, such as advice, information or effort, that is provided in order to help something succeed or develop
agenda n list of matters to be discussed at a meeting
issue n subject or problem which people are thinking and talking about
overworked adj having to work too much
UNIT 4
allot v give (especially a share of something available) for a particular purpose
dealings pl n activities involving other people, especially in business
overview v short description of something which provides general information about it, but no details
procedure n set of actions which is the official or accepted way of doing something
proceedings pl n series of events that happen in a planned and controlled way
summon v officially arrange a meeting of people
undertaking n formal promise
attendee n someone who goes to a place, event, etc.
gross profit n companys profit before certain costs and taxes are deducted
incentive n something which encourages a person to do something
internal candidate n person seeking a position who already holds another job within the organisation
interview panel n group of people who ask candidates questions to see if they are suitable for a job
outcome n result
productive adj useful
psychometric test n exam to measure scientifically a persons mental capacities and personality
report back v bring information to someone in authority
run over time v take longer than scheduled
vacancy n job that no one is doing and is therefore available for someone new to do
schedule v arrange that an event or activity will happen at a particular time
shrewd adj based on a clear understanding and good judgement of a situation
UNIT 5
ship v send goods by any form of transport to a distant place
call-centre operative n person who works in an office where large numbers of telephone calls, especially from customers, are handled for an organisation
customer care n protection and service provided to customers
frontline staff n employees with direct contact with customers
outsourcing n the practice of a company paying to have part of its work done by another company
asset n something valuable belonging to a person or organisation which can be used for the payment of debts
cross-selling n suggestion that customers buy additional or related accessories or products during or just after their primary purchase
profit margin n profit that can be made in a business or sale after costs have been subtracted
profitability n capacity to make a profit
undervalue v consider someone or something as less valuable or important than they really are
enhance v improve the quality, amount or strength of something
UNIT 6
bid v compete against other firms by offering to do a job or contract for a certain amount of money
brand identity n see brand image
itemise v list things separately
proven track record n all the successful achievements that someone or something has had in the past
specification n detailed description of how something should be done, made, etc.
value for money adj something well worth the money spent
allocate v give something to someone as their share of a total amount, for them to use in a particular way
benchmark v measure the quality of something by comparing it with something else of an accepted standard
critical path n sequence of stages determining the minimum time needed for the execution of an entire project
key stage n important time period in a sequence of events
map v make a plan in detail
trade press n magazine published for and read by members of a particular trade group
bid for v offer to do some work for a particular price
estimate v guess the cost, size, value, etc. of something
team up with v work together with
work out v calculate
procurement n the obtaining of supplies
tender n formal written offer to do a job for an agreed price
entrant n person who takes part in a competition or an examination
fee n amount of money paid for a particular piece of work
go out of business v no longer able to operate as a business
UNIT 7
deadline n time or day by which something must be done
stock control n in a company or shop, the system of making certain that new supplies are ordered and that goods have not been stolen.
outlay n amount of money spent for a particular purpose, especially as a first investment in something
output n amount of something produced by a person, machine, factory, country, etc.
overtheads pl n the regular and necessary costs, such as rent and heating, that are involved in operating a business
payroll n list of the people employed by a company
retail outlet n shop
systems engineer n person who designs and installs computer systems
VAT return n declaration of Value Added Tax (= a type of tax in European countries which is paid by the person who buys goods and services)
reinvest v invest again
sales force n all the employees of a company whose job is persuading customers to buy their companys products or services
shipper n person whose job is to organise the sending of goods from one place to another
tax exposure n financial commitment to pay tax
UNIT 8
per capita adv if you state an amount per capita, you mean that amount for each person
factor n fact or situation which influences the result of something
capialise on v use to your advantage
consolidate v combine several things, especially businesses, so that they become more effective
foreign exchange fluctuation
n rises and falls in the currencies of other countries
gain ground (on) v make progress at the expense of
niche market n small area of trade within the economy, often involving specialised products
production capacity n total amount of resources available to achieve maximum output
storage and handling facility
n place or building used to store and distribute goods
disposable income n money which you can spend as you want and not the money which you spend on taxes, food and other basic needs
distribution n making goods available to customers
join-venture partner n associate in a commercial enterprise which is undertaken jointly
penetration n how much share of a particular market a company or a product manages to achieve
shift n change in position or direction
spending power n ability to purchase goods
player n important company involved in a market or industry
UNIT 9
advertising campaign n organised programme of advertisements, usually concerning promoting a certain product or brand
banner ad n form of advertising on the World Wide Web which involves putting a wide and short, or tall and narrow advert on an interesting web page
brand awareness n knowledge of a particular make of product
classified ad/advertisement
n small advertis