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