enterprise

1 a commercial or industrial activity or organization <the booming economy witnessed the launch of many small enterprises> Synonyms business, company, concern, establishment, firm, house, interest, outfit Related Words conglomerate, corporation, multinational; association, cartel, chain, combine, syndicate, trust; agency, dealer, outlet; microenterprise

2 readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity <the enterprise shown by the early developers and promoters of personal computers> Synonyms action, aggressiveness, ambition, drive, go, hustle, initiative Related Words grit, gumption, pluck, snap, spirit, spunk, starch; ambitiousness, killer instinct, overambitiousness; assertiveness, self-reliance; energy, hardihood, pep, vigor, vitality Near Antonyms inactivity, inertia, passivity; diffidence, faintheartedness, timidity; hesitation, reluctance; indolence, laziness, lethargy

3 a risky undertaking <the general viewed the proposed invasion as a military enterprise that offered no easy way out> Synonyms adventure, chance, crapshoot, gamble, flier (also flyer), flutter [chiefly British], speculation, throw, ventureRelated Words bet, hazard, stake, wager; liberty; dark horse, long shot, playAntonyms sure thing