Entry Word: enterprise

Function: noun

Meaning: 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, outfit

Related Words conglomerate, corporation, multinational; association, cartel, chain, combine, syndicate, trust; agency, dealer, outlet

2 readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity <the enterprise shown by the early developers and promoters of personal computers>

Synonyms aggressiveness, ambition, drive, go, hustle, initiative

Related Words gumption, pluck, snap, spirit, spunk, starch; 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> — see gamble