Definition of enterprise
1 : a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky
2 : readiness to engage in daring or difficult action : initiative showed great enterprise in dealing with the crisis
3a : a unit of economic organization or activity; especially : a business organizationb : a systematic purposeful activity agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people
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Examples of enterprise in a Sentence
Moving the drilling rig offshore was a costly enterprise.
Agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people.
When he purchased the company it was a thriving commercial enterprise.
He was criticized for his lack of enterprise in dealing with the crisis.
Recent Examples of enterprise from the Web
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SmarterCloud helps mature-stage enterprises better control cloud infrastructure, TAINA helps financial institutions comply with tax transparency regulations and 4Women offers a non-invasive HPV test that’s self-administered.
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The stunning speed of Israel’s military victory; the sheer magnitude of the Arab defeat; the conquest of Jerusalem; the enduring nature of the Israeli occupation and the settlement enterprise—all these things guaranteed that high profile.
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If convicted on the first count alone, knowingly engaging in a criminal enterprise, Shamo could face up to life in prison.
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On the contrary, the security review will increase consumer confidence in the use of products and expand the enterprise market.
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The Bank of Japan’s quarterly Tankan survey helps to round out the picture, showing how wage pressures differ for companies based both on the size of an enterprise and their industry.
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When the professional Midwest Basketball Conference started in 1935, the Wingfoots and Non-Skids became charter members, little knowing the league would eventually evolve into a multimillion-dollar international enterprise.
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The three have a long history of deals in the cattle business, but this enterprise appears to be an attempt to launch an online gambling site just as it was expected that the Brazilian government would legalize the industry.
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Looked at, whole and complete, the entire operation now looks like a coherent and lawless enterprise.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enterprise'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of enterprise
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from entreprendre to undertake, from entre- inter- + prendre to take — more at prize
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Business Terms
ENTERPRISE Defined for English Language Learners
enterprise
playDefinition of enterprise for English Language Learners
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: a project or activity that involves many people and that is often difficult
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: a business organization
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: the ability or desire to do dangerous or difficult things or to solve problems in new ways
ENTERPRISE Defined for Kids
enterprise
playDefinition of enterprise for Students
1 : a project or undertaking that is difficult, complicated, or risky
2 : willingness to engage in daring or difficult action Look at the opportunities here for a man of knowledge, brains, pluck, and enterprise … — Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee
3 : a business organization or activity
Law Dictionary
enterprise
playLegal Definition of enterprise
: an economic organization or activity; especially : a business organization
Learn More about enterprise
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See words that rhyme with enterprise Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enterprise Spanish Central: Translation of enterprise Nglish: Translation of enterprise for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of enterprise for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about enterprise
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