BULATS.

Pre intermediate Voc

English

Part of
Speech

Definition

UNIT 1
accountant

a person who keeps the records of money that is

received and spent by a company

accounts

the records of all the money that a company has

received or spent

atmosphere
book-keeping

n
n

the character or feeling of a place or situation

the job of keeping a record of the money that is
received and spent by a company

consultant

a person who advises people on a subject that they are

an expert in

coordinate

make all the different people and different parts of an

activity work together in an organised way

correspondence
deadline
executive

n
n
n

letters, especially ofcial or business letters

a time or day by which something must be done
a person in a high position in an organisation who
makes decisions

faulty
hectic
human resources

adj
adj
pl n

not well-made or not working correctly

very busy and fast
the part of a business that deals with nding new
employees, keeping records of employees and helping
them with any problems, etc.

invoice

a list of things bought or work done with the price, for

payment later

laboratory

manic
marketing

adj
n

a room or building with equipment for doing scientic

tests
very busy
a group of activities to help sell a product or service by
considering buyers wants and needs

meticulous
minutes

adj
pl n

very careful and paying a lot of attention to detail

the ofcial record of what people say and decide during
a meeting

payroll

a list of people employed in a company, showing how

much each person is paid

personnel
policy

pl n
n

prioritise
quality control

v
n

the people who work in an organisation

a set of rules or a plan of what to do in a particular
situation
decide which tasks are the most important
the activity of looking at goods or services to make sure
that they are of the correct standard

research and
development (R and D)

the department in a business which deals with planning

new products and trying to improve existing ones

retailer

a person who sells products to the public

springboard

stock
wealthy
welfare

v
adj
n

something which provides energy at the start of an

action
provide something for people to buy
rich
a persons health and happiness

the opportunity to see or use something

UNIT 2
access

call off
challenge
challenging

v
n
adj

decide not to do a planned activity

something that is difcult to do
difcult in a way which tests your ability or
determination
a person who you work with
produce (an idea or suggestion)
equal to or better than others
looking directly at one another
able to be changed easily according to the situation
a system where managers deal with employees
problems quickly and directly

colleague
come up with
competitive
face to face
exible
open-door management
style

n
v
adj
adj
adj

pension

pension scheme

pool

allow something to be collected and shared by

everyone in a group

potential
proposal
put forward

n
n
v

rewarding
role

adj
n

standard
strategy
workforce

adj
n
n

a persons or products ability to develop and succeed

a suggestion, sometimes a written one
state (an opinion or suggestion) for other people to
consider
satisfying because you feel it is important or useful
the position or purpose that a person has in an
organisation
usual or normal
a plan for achieving success
the group of people who work in a company

money which is paid regularly to a person who has

retired
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

UNIT 3
advertising campaign
award
billboard
chain

n
n
n
n

charitable trust

a series of activities to advertise something

a prize for achieving something
a large board used to display advertisements
a number of shops, hotels, etc. which are owned by the
same company
a trust which is formed with the aim of giving money to
charity
a business which is owned or controlled by the people
who work in it

collective

commercial
decline

n
n

an advertisement on TV or radio
a situation where something becomes less in number
or amount

depression

a long period when there is very little business activity

and not many jobs

exhibition

founding
growth
inherit

n
n
v

an event where companies show their products to the

public
start (a new company or organisation)
the process of increasing in number or size
receive money or a business from a person after they
have died

launch
leading
merge
mill

v
adj
v
n

packaging
pension fund

n
n

show something for the rst time

the most important
join together
a building tted with machinery for a manufacturing
process
the material put around goods before they are sold
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

a person who gives money and help to people who

need it
the situation of being poor
sell a company which is owned by the government to a
private company or a member of the public

poverty
privatise

n
v

rivet

share

slogan

take over

trust

wrapper

a piece of paper or plastic which covers something that

you buy (especially food)

backre
booked up
broadband

v
adj
n

cluttered
competitor

adj
n

have the opposite result of what you wanted

with no free places for extra appointments
a telecommunications system which allows information
to be sent quickly between computers and other
electronic equipment
full of unnecessary things
a person, company or product which is trying to be
more successful than another in the same market

download

exchange rate

gimmick

something which is used to get peoples attention but

which isnt very useful

graphic
handling charge
hard copy

n
n
n

home page

load
logo

v
n

image which is shown on a computer screen

the cost of moving goods from one place to another
a paper copy of information which came from a
computer
the rst page that you should see when you look at a
website
abbreviation of download
a design or symbol which is used by a company to
advertise its products

online
purchase
search engine

adj
v
n

connected to the internet

buy
a computer programme which nds information on the
Internet using words that you type in

set up
time-consuming
up to date
update

v
adj
adj
v

organise (an event); start (a new business)

needing a lot of time
modern or containing the most recent information
make something more modern or give the most recent
information to

adj
v
n

connected with farming

build something by joining different parts together
the sharp metal part of a machine or piece of
equipment which is used to cut something

a metal pin, usually used to join pieces of metal

together
any of the equal parts into which a companys capital is
divided
a short phrase used in advertising which is easy to
remember
get control of or responsibility for something (e.g. a
company)
an organisation which controls money or property for
the benet of other people

UNIT 4

copy data from one computer system to another or to a

disk
the amount of one currency which you can buy with a
particular amount of another currency

UNIT 5
agricultural
assemble
blade

bulb (abbr. of light bulb)

a glass object which produces light from electricity

cable

a wire, usually covered by plastic, which carries

electricity or telecommunication signals

card index
charge
craftsman

n
v
n

a box for storing cards in a particular order

store electrical energy in
a person who uses special skills to make things,
especially with their hands

crash
device
dismantle
fasten
le
gadget
hole punch

v
n
v
v
n
n
n

jam
lead

v
n

suddenly stop working

a piece of equipment which does a particular job
take something apart so that it is in several pieces
x something together, or x one thing to another
a type of container used to store documents
a small piece of equipment which does a particular job
a small piece of equipment used for making holes in
paper
become unable to work because a part is stuck
a wire which connects a piece of electrical equipment to
the electricity supply

lever
paper clip

n
n

permanent
pliers

adj
pl n

premises
run out
seminar
shredder

pl n
v
n
n

stapler

temporary
tool

adj
n

lasting for only a short time

a piece of equipment which you use with your hands to
make or repair something

upgrade

improve the quality or usefulness of something

authorise
blend
budget

v
v
n

give ofcial permission for something

mix two or more things together
a plan which shows how much money you have and
how you will spend it

budget holder
dissolve
evaporate
evaporation
extract
extraction
ling cabinet

n
v
v
n
v
n
n

ingredient

the person responsible for a particular budget

(of a solid) become part of a liquid
(of a liquid) change into gas
the act of evaporating
take something out of something else
the act of extracting something
a piece of furniture in an ofce used for holding
documents
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

a small piece of paper, material, etc. attached to an

object which gives information about it

production plant

a place where an industrial or manufacturing process

takes place

a handle that you push or pull to make a machine work

a small piece of bent metal used for holding papers
together
lasting forever or for a very long time
a piece of equipment with two handles for pulling small
things (e.g. nails) or for cutting wire
the land and buildings owned by an organisation
use all of something so that there is none left
a meeting of a group of people for discussion or training
a machine used for cutting documents into very small
pieces
a small piece of equipment used to x papers together
by pushing a small piece of metal through them

UNIT 6

productivity

a measure which compares the value of what a

company produces with the time and money which it
spends producing it

promote
sample

v
n

stationery
supplier
target
target market
vat

n
n
n
n
n

encourage the popularity and sales of a product

a small amount of something which shows you what it
is like
things which you use for writing (e.g. pens and paper)
a company which provides products or services
a result that you intend to achieve
the group of people that a product is aimed at
a large container for mixing or storing liquids, especially
in a factory

UNIT 7
backlog

a large amount of work or matters which are waiting to

be done

bankers card (also bank

card, cheque card)

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

catalogue

v
n

wait while a person does something

a book with a list of all the goods you can buy from a
shop or company

courier
customs

n
pl n

a person who transports documents or products

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
discount
engaged

v
n
adj

break the connection during a telephone call

a reduction in the usual price
(of a telephone line) unavailable because already being
used by another person

extension

a telephone, especially one with its own additional

number on a line leading from the main switchboard

freight

goods which are carried from one place to another by

ship, rail, plane or truck

freight forwarding
specialist

a person or company who arranges for goods to be

transported from one place to another

get through
hang up

v
v

heavy-duty

adj

hold on
hold the line
intellectual property (IP)

v
v
n

succeed in speaking to somebody on the telephone

nish a telephone conversation and put the telephone
down
especially strong so that it can be used in difcult
conditions
wait for a short time
wait for a short time (on the telephone)
a persons or companys rights to prot from their idea
or design (without another person copying it)

log off

top a computer being connected to a computer system,

when you want to stop working

packing list
patent

n
n

a list of goods that are packed and ready to send

the legal right to be the only person or company to
make or sell an invention for a certain number of years

put through
ring off

v
v

sales channel
switchboard

n
n

connect a person to another telephone extension

nish a telephone conversation and put the telephone
down
the way or place in which something is sold
a piece of equipment for the manual control of
telephone connections

trade fair

an event where companies show and sell their products

to retailers or other companies who work in the same

eld
trademark

warehouse

a legally registered name or symbol which represents a

company or product and cannot be used by another
company
a large building for storing goods before they are sold

UNIT 8
banner

an advertisement that appears across the top of a

webpage
the values and qualities which people associate with a
particular brand

brand identity

carrier

a company, usually an airline, which transports goods

or people from one place to another

channel

a way of getting something done or a way of

communicating with people

channel of distribution
n
(also distribution channel)

the way in which goods are transported from producers

to buyers

classied ad
fare
forecast
glamour
green
hospitality

n
n
v
n
n
n

a small advertisement in a newspaper or magazine

the money a passenger must pay for a journey
say what you expect to happen in the future
an attractive and exciting quality
concerned with the protection of the environment
the action of entertaining people in a welcoming and
friendly way

innovation
lifecycle

n
n

the use of new ideas and methods

the length of time that people continue to buy a
particular product

lifespan

the length of time a machine or piece of equipment is

expected to last

market leader

a company which sells more of a type of product than

its competitors

market research

activities to obtain and study information about the

things which people buy or want to buy

market share

the percentage of sales which a company has for a

type of product compared with its competitors

pop-up

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
word of mouth

n
n

see classied ad
the process of getting to know about a product by
hearing about it from friends, colleagues, etc.

agenda
branch

n
n

brand

catering
compact
connection

n
adj
n

a list of things to be discussed in a meeting

any of the ofces or shops that belong to a large
company
a type of product made by a company under a
particular name
the activity of providing food and drink
closely and neatly packed together to save space
a train or plane which passengers arriving on another
train or plane can catch to continue their journey.

demonstrate

UNIT 9

show something (e.g. a product) and explain how it

works

demonstration

the act of showing something and explaining how it

works
show hospitality to a business client (e.g. by taking
them to an event or a restaurant)

entertain

entertainment
organiser

n
n

action of showing hospitality

a small le or diary where you record your
appointments and other useful information

pick someone up
rep
representative

v
n
n

retire
stylish
voicemail
wall planner

v
adj
n
n

collect a person or object from somewhere

(abbr. of representative)
an agent of a company who travels to clients to sell
products
stop working because of old age or ill health
of high quality in appearance and design
an electronic telephone answering system
a poster to put on the wall showing the days of the year
so that you can write appointments on it

UNIT 10
aisle
boarding card (also
boarding pass)

n
n

the passage between seats on an aeroplane

the card that a passenger must have to show that they
have passed security checks before getting on a plane

check-in desk

the place at the airport where you show your ticket, give
in your luggage and receive your boarding card

debt
departure lounge

n
n

money that is owed to a person or company

the area in an airport where passengers wait before
they get on a plane

dip
duty-free shop

n
n

a movement downwards to a lower level or number

a shop in an airport or on board a ship where you can
buy goods without paying government tax

fee

payment made to a professional person in exchange for

advice or services

glove compartment

heavy goods train

locker

n
n

a small cupboard in the front of a car for storing small

objects
a train used for transporting large goods
a small cupboard which can be locked, usually one of
several placed together in a public place

put off

reschedule
road tax

v
n

shuttle

a vehicle or aeroplane that travels regularly between

two places

soar
thriving
venue

v
adj
n

rise quickly to a high level or number

growing and successful
the place where an event or meeting takes place

audiovisual equipment

equipment that allows you to hear and see something

(e.g. a presentation)

capacity
conference

n
n

convert
delegate

v
n

the total amount that can be contained or produced

a formal meeting of people from the same type of
business or with the same interests, usually lasting a
few days
to change in form, character or use
a person sent to represent others at a conference

arrange to delay an event or appointment until a later

time
change the arranged time of something
a tax you must pay on your vehicle before you are
allowed to drive it on the road

UNIT 11

downgrade

reduce a person or thing to a lower position

ipchart

a board with large pieces of paper xed at the top

which can be turned over

gym (abbr. of
gymnasium)

a large room with equipment for doing physical

exercises

high-tech
IDD (International Direct
Dialling) phone

adj
n

using the most advanced technology and equipment

a phone which you can use to make international calls
without going through an operator

laundry service

a service offered by some hotels for washing, drying

and ironing guests clothes

lecture
partition

n
n

a formal talk to a group of people on a particular subject

a structure, usually a thin wall, which separates one
part of a room from another

safe

a locked cupboard where you can keep money and

other valuable items

stage

the area of a theatre where actors perform or lecturers

give their talks

state-of-the-art
suite
video conferencing

adj
n
n

using the most recent technology and ideas

a set of connected rooms in a hotel
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

approach
autonomy

n
n

a way of dealing with a situation or problem

a companys ability to choose and organise its own
systems and activities

ban
chairman (also
chairwoman,
chairperson)

v
n

not allow a person to do or have something

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

information about a product or person, used as a basis

for improvement

headquarters
negotiate

n
v

the managerial centre of an organisation

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

a small group of people brought together to decide or

discuss something

parcel
questionnaire

n
n

an object wrapped in paper so it can be sent by post

a list of questions, usually with a choice of answers, in
order to collect information about a subject

rumour

an interesting story, which may or may not be true, that

people are talking about

stand

a temporary display area where products are shown,

often at a conference or trade fair

survey

a study of the opinions of a group of people, based on

a list of questions

task
team-building

n
n

a piece of work
activities to encourage people to build relationships with
each other and work together as a team

UNIT 12

UNIT 13

associate
badge

n
n

a person you know because of work or business

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
consultancy

v
n

crate
draw

n
n

live or work mainly in this place

a company that gives expert advice on a particular
subject
a large box used for storing or moving things
a competition where people are given numbered tickets
which are chosen at random to decide winners of prizes

ethos

the set of beliefs and ambitions which are typical of a

group or company

oristry
framework
insolvency

n
n
n

the business of arranging and selling owers

order or structure
the situation when a company does not have enough
money to pay its debts

lapel pin

a pin which is used to fasten something (e.g. a badge)

to the front of your jacket

mailshot

a piece of advertising material sent to a large number of

addresses

mission
motto

n
n

the purpose or aim of an organisation

a short sentence or phrase which expresses a belief or
purpose

put down to

referral

think something is caused by something else in

particular
the act of directing someone to another person or place
for help or business

stafng
telemarketing
turnover

n
n
n

the action of providing employees for an organisation

selling goods or services by telephone
the amount of money taken by a business in a
particular period

wind up

gradually bring an activity to an end

body language

bonus

commemorate

the movements and positions of your body which show

other people how you are feeling, often without you
knowing it
an extra amount of money paid to a person for good
performance
ofcially remember, with respect, people or an event,
especially with a ceremony

department store

eye contact

giant
harmony
host
job description

n
n
n
n

a very large, successful company

peacefulness or agreement
a person who invites other people as guests
a written list of the responsibilities you have and things
you are expected to do in your work

minimal
offence
pharmaceutical
product positioning

adj
n
adj
n

punctual
small talk

adj
n

of a very small amount

feeling of annoyance or hurt
concerned with the preparation of medicinal drugs
the way that people think about a product compared
with competing products, or the way that the company
would like them to think
arriving or doing things at the correct time, not later
polite conversation about unimportant things

UNIT 14

a large shop selling a variety of goods in different

departments
the situation when two people look at each others eyes
at the same time

spectrum

to the point

adj

unwrap
wrap

v
v

the range of possible opinions, feelings or ways of

behaving
directly expressed and suitable for the topic being
discussed
remove the paper or material that covers something
cover something with paper or material

UNIT 15
act on
at the cutting edge
average

block booking
boom
break down barriers

n
n
v

break the ice

committed

adj

willing to give your time and energy to something that

you believe in

conict
cooperate
cooperative
creative
crisis

n
v
adj
adj
n

a serious disagreement or argument

work together for a particular purpose
willing to work with people and do what they ask
producing and using new and unusual ideas
a situation which has reached a very difcult point, or a
time of great disagreement and uncertainty

dominate
forum
handout

v
n
n

have control over a person or group of people

a meeting for the exchange of opinions
a piece of printed information, sometimes given by a
speaker to their audience

implement
interact
in-tray

v
v
n

put into action

communicate and work together
a container on a desk for letters and documents to be
dealt with later

maintenance

the activity of keeping a building or machinery in good

condition

object
objective
original

n
n
adj

the aim or purpose of doing something

something you plan to achieve
not the same as anything else and therefore special
and interesting

participant

a person who takes part or gets involved in something

(e.g. a training course)

review

consider something in order to decide if changes

should be made

stand for
talented
wisdom

v
adj
n

be an abbreviation of or symbol for

having a natural ability to be good at something
the ability to use your knowledge and experience to
make good judgements

v
adj
n
adj
n

nalise a business agreement

polite and respectful
a business agreement
needing a lot of time, attention or energy
the process of removing salt from sea water

do what is suggested
at the most recent stage of development
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
a booking (e.g. for a hotel) for a group of people
a period when a country or industry is very successful
improve understanding and communication between
people
make people who do not know each other well feel
more relaxed with each other

UNIT 16
close a deal
courteous
deal
demanding
desalination

the usual rules of polite behaviour in a certain social

situation
offer or give
begin to do or give serious attention to
feeling admiration for something
at a suitable time in the future
the process of supplying land with water so that plants
can grow

etiquette

extend
get down to
impressed
in due course
irrigation

v
v
adj
adv
n

machinery

a group of large machines or the parts of a machine

which make it work

outing
speciality

n
n

a short trip taken for pleasure

a product for which a person, region or restaurant is
famous

UNIT 17
account for
v
bar chart (also bar graph) n

supply or make up (a certain amount)

a diagram in which different amounts are represented
by rectangles of different length

uctuate
uctuation
gross domestic product
(GDP)

v
n
n

rise and fall irregularly in number or amount

an irregular rise and fall in number or amount
the total value of goods and services which are
produced within a country

level off
line graph

v
n

stop rising or falling and stay at the same level

a diagram in which changes in amount over time are
represented by a line

make inroads
make up
negligible
overtake
peak
pie chart

v
v
adj
v
n
n

recover
recovery

v
n

start to have a noticeable effect

compose or form
too small in number to be important
become a greater amount (than something else)
the highest point or value of something
a circle divided into parts that shows the way in which
something (e.g. population or amount of money) is
divided up
improve after a period of weakness or low value
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

a general direction in which something is developing or

changing

unemployment rate

the percentage of the working population who do not

have a job

acquisition
assembly

n
n

the purchase of one company by another

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

capital
capital employed

n
n

cashow
chase payment

n
v

have neither prot nor loss at the end of a business

activity
money used to invest, lend or borrow
the money that a business invests back into the
company
the amount of money moving into and out of a business
try to make a person pay the money that they owe

UNIT 18

component

a part which combines with other parts to form

something bigger

cover costs
creditor

v
n

curriculum vitae

make enough money to pay for expenses

a person or organisation that a company owes money
to
a written description of a persons qualications and
previous employment

debtor

decit

gross
liquidation

adj
n

net
operating prot
overheads

adj
n
n

overspend
pay off
pre-tax return

v
v
n

spend more than was originally planned

pay back the full amount
the money that a company earns from something
before tax is deducted

protability
rsum (US)
return
revenue
subsidiary

n
n
n
n
n

the state of producing a prot

see curriculum vitae
a prot from an investment
an organisations income or the money it receives
one company which is owned or more than 50% owned
by another

takeover

the action of taking control of one company by another

after purchasing a majority of shares

write off a debt

cancel the record of a bad debt

bear market
bond

n
n

a nancial market where prices are falling

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
building society

n
n

a person who buys and sells shares for others

a nancial organisation that pays interest on members
savings and lends money for the purchase of property

bull market
commission

n
n

a nancial market where prices are rising

an amount of money paid to an agent for arranging a
sale or purchase

commodity

a substance or agricultural product that can be bought

or sold in large amounts

dividend

the part of a companys prots which is divided

between its shareholders

dividend yield

the amount of prot paid to shareholders, calculated as

a percentage of the current share price

downturn
equities

n
n

oat

otation

a reduction in business activity

stocks and shares which pay no xed amount of
interest
sell shares of a company on the stock market for the
rst time
the process of offering shares of a company for sale to
the public for the rst time

outperform

a person or organisation that owes money to a

company
the amount of money that a business has lost in a
particular period of time
total, before any costs or taxes are deducted
the situation when a company closes because of
nancial difculties and its assets are sold to pay its
debts
remaining after deduction of tax and other costs
the prot that a company makes from its usual activity
the regular costs which are involved in running a
business (e.g. rent or electricity)

UNIT 19

perform better than another

portfolio

a collection of investments; all the products and

services offered by a business

racecourse
sector
shareholder
stake
stock exchange

n
n
n
n
n

a ground or track for horse or dog racing

a distinct part of the economy
a person who owns shares in a company
a share or interest in a company
the place where stocks and shares in companies are
bought and sold

stock

shares, or a certain number of shares

asset

business angel

something valuable belonging to a business (e.g.

machinery) which could be used for the payment of
debts
a private investor who provides money for new
businesses

business plan

a document giving details of a companys expected

sales, costs and future nancial planning

corporation

a large company or group of companies which acts as

a single organisation and is recognised as such in law

data management

control and organisation of information held on

computer databases

entrepreneur

a person who starts up their own business, especially

one which involves risk

ood
format
loan
merger

v
n
n
n

arrive in large numbers

the way in which information is arranged and stored
the act of lending something, or the money which is lent
the process when two or more companies join together
to form a larger company

monitor
pump money into

v
v

raise money
relocation
resign
savings
secure a loan

v
n
v
pl n
v

watch and check for a period of time

spend a lot of money on something to try to make it
successful
collect money
the process of moving to a new place
leave a job because you want to
money kept in a bank to use later
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

the length of time that a product, especially food, can

be kept in a shop before it becomes too old to sell

tap into

venture capitalist

make use of something, especially peoples interest or

ability
a person who makes money available for investment in
a new company, especially a risky one

UNIT 20

UNIT 21
applicant
appoint
candidate
fullling
highlight
jobseeker
prole

n
v
n
adj
v
n
n

a person who applies for something, especially a job

ofcially choose a person for a job
a person who applies for a job
making you feel happy and satised
attract attention to
a person who is looking for a job
a short description of a person which gives only the
most important details

recruitment

the process of nding new people to work for a

company

recruitment agency

a business that makes its money by nding suitable

people for employers who need new workers

referee

a person who conrms in writing an applicants

character or ability

reference

a letter from a previous employer or teacher to conrm

a persons ability or reliability

shortlist

put a person on a list of candidates from which a nal

choice is made

turn down
vacancy

v
n

reject or refuse
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

break the news

tell a person about something unpleasant which will

affect or upset them

computer-literate

adj

credit checking

discrimination

having knowledge of how to use and work with

computers
the activity of looking at a persons record of repaying
loans and advising whether or not to give them a new
loan
the act or system of treating different groups of people
in different ways, especially unfairly

dismiss

remove from a job, especially when a person has done

something wrong

re
hand in your notice
hire
interviewee
interviewer

v
v
v
n
n

see dismiss
tell your employer that you intend to leave your job
employ a person to do a particular job
the candidate during an interview
the person who asks the candidate questions during an
interview

job security

lay off

the situation of having a job which is likely to be

permanent.
stop employing a worker temporarily or permanently
because there is not enough work

make someone
redundant

stop employing a person because there is no longer

enough work for them, or because the company cannot
afford to continue employing them

promotion

the situation when a person is raised to a higher or

more important position in their work

pull funding
quit
redundant
sack
sell off
stereotype

v
v
adj
v
v
n

stop giving money for something

leave
no longer employed because there is not enough work
see dismiss
get rid of something by selling it cheaply
a xed idea, especially one that is wrong, that people
have about a type of person or thing

surveyor

venture

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
a new business activity which involves risk or
uncertainty

UNIT 22

UNIT 23
anonymous

adj

without the writers name on it

appraisal

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
appraiser
balance sheet

n
n
n

compromise

the employee who is receiving the appraisal

the manager who gives the appraisal
a document which shows a companys nancial
position, i.e. its wealth, assets and debts, at a particular
time
ending an argument or difference of opinion by each
side agreeing to some of the demands of the other

corporate rate
credibility

n
n

expertise
eye-opener

n
n

follow-up

adj

income statement

motivation
on the ball

n
adj

enthusiasm
showing up-to-date knowledge and/or an ability to think
and act quickly

refresher course

a training course to bring a persons knowledge up to

date, especially knowledge needed for a job

revolutionise
stalemate

v
n

completely change something so that it is much better

a situation where neither side in an argument can win
and no action can be aken

trainee

a person who is being taught certain skills for a job

absentee
absenteeism

n
n

a person who is not at work when they should be

the problem of employees not being at work when they
should be

audit

an ofcial examination of something by an expert,

usually the accounts of a business

counselling

the process of listening to a person and giving them

professional advice about their problems

a special price offered to companies

a persons ability to make other people believe and
trust them
a high level of knowledge or skill
something that surprises you and teaches you new
facts about people or life
thing done or action taken to continue something done
before
a statement showing the amount of money earned and
spent by a company in a particular period of time

UNIT 24

email overload

the situation when you receive more emails than you

can manage

folder
goal
icon

n
n
n

a collection of les kept together on a computer

an aim or purpose
a small picture or symbol on a computer screen which
the user can click on with the mouse

open question
overload
sick leave

n
n
n

sick pay

a question to which the answer is not just yes or no

too much of something
the length of time that an employee is allowed to be
absent from work because of illness and still receive
pay
the money that an employer pays to a person who is
absent from work because of illness

spreadsheet

a computer programme for doing nancial calculations

and plans

voting buttons

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
bonus scheme

n
n

assessment or evaluation of how well you do your job

company system in which employees receive extra payments if
certain targets are reached

book-keeping

recording the money that an organisation or business spends

and receives

computer literate
core
dedicated
degree
rm
ying start
goal
graduate
hands-on
high ier

adj
n
adj
n
n
n
n
n
adj
n

able to use a computer competently

central, essential
designed especially for that use
university qualication
company
very good beginning
aim, objective, target
someone who has obtained a university degree
practical, not theoretical
someone with a lot of ability and ambition who is expected to be
successful

in-house
key
learning goals: meet the
learning goals

adj
adj
v

taking place within the company

very important, essential
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
on-the-job training
peer
permanent contract

v
n
n
n

watch carefully and record the results

training while you are working
person at the same level as you in a company
an employment agreement which is not for a limited period of
time

promising
promote

adj
v

showing signs of being likely to develop successfully

give someone a better-paid, more responsible job; advertise or
publicise a product or service so that people will buy it

recruit
salary
skill
staff development

n
n
n
n

someone who has recently started working for a company

money paid regularly to employees for doing a job
ability to do something well
expansion of skills and consequent possible promotion for
employees

study leave
tailor-made
track record
workload

n
adj
n
n

period of time away from work for study

specially designed to meet individual needs
reputation based on things done up to now
the amount of work you have to do

accounting
areas
audit
baby: your own baby

n
n
v
n

activity of preparing and maintaining nancial records

departments
check that nancial statements and accounts are correct
project or piece of work that you care about a lot because it was
your idea

board of directors
candidate

n
n

top-level managers of a company

person applying for a job

UNIT 2

cashier

the person who takes the money when customers pay at a

supermarket

CEO

short for Chief Executive Ofcer

challenging
checkout
Chief Executive Ofcer

adj
n
n

difcult and demanding to do

the place in a supermarket where you pay for your shopping
highest manager with responsibility for the day-to-day running of
a company

Chief Information Ofcer

manager responsible for information and computer systems

CIO

short for Chief Information Ofcer

customer relations

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
deadline
Finance Manager

n
n
n

giving customers good service

nal time by which a task or job must be completed
the manager responsible for the accounting and nancial affairs
of a company

nancial year
re
forecast
fullling
graduation

n
v
v
adj
n

the -month period for which a company produces accounts

dismiss someone from their job
predict business and nancial performance for the future
making you happy or satised
the moment of successfully completing ones university course

HRM
Human Resources Manager

n
n

Human Resources Manager

the manager responsible for recruiting, training and managing
employees

incentive event

conference or other event which companies use for thanking

customers and rewarding their staff

interviewee
IT

n
n

person being interviewed

short for Information Technology; computer and
telecommunications technology

launch
lifestyle
management accounting
Managing Director

v
n, adj
n
n

start selling a product or service for the rst time

the way that you live your life
preparing nancial information to help management decisions
highest manager with responsibility for the day-to-day running of
the company, Chief Executive Ofcer

Marketing Consultant

someone whom companies employ to give advice about how to

market their products or services

PA
part-time job

n
n

short for Personal Assistant

job which is only done for part of the working week, less than a
full-time job

performance
Personal Assistant

n
n

how well a person or company does

someone who is employed to do secretarial and administrative
tasks, especially for a manager

PRO

short for Public Relations Ofcer, the person responsible for

ensuring that the public think well of a company

R&D
recruitment

n
n

short for Research and Development

the activity of nding and employing new people to work in an
organisation

relief

person who takes the place of another worker so that he/she can
have a break

reporting to me
Research and Development
role
routine correspondence

n
n
n

that I have authority over

the activity of investigating and developing new products
job or function in a company
normal, everyday letters and emails which are not special

selling point

characteristic of a product that makes people want to buy it

smooth-talking
supervisor
target

adj
n
n

good at persuading people, not to be trusted

person who makes sure people do their jobs properly
goal or objective decided in advance against which performance
can be measure

thrive on
treasurer
vision
workwise

v
n
n
adj

really enjoy
the person who looks after the money in an organisation
plan or hope for the future
as far as work is concerned

academic background
common sense
consumer product
CV

n
n
n
n

what you have studied and the qualications you have received
practical, sensible thinking and judgement
product bought by the public and not by companies
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
full-on
gig
go about
go straight in the bin
innovation
job satisfaction
kiosk
online distribution
perk

adj
adj
n
v
v
n
n
n
n
n

shown to be dishonest
total
performance, concert
start dealing with
be thrown away without being looked at
new idea or product
feeling of pleasure and achievement in your job
small building where products are sold
the supply of goods through the Internet
extra payment or benet which is not part of your salary, e.g. a
company car

promotion
receptive
referee

n
adj
n

being given a better-paid, more responsible job

willing to listen and accept
person who gives information about your experience and ability
when you apply for a job

reect
release
scope
snail mail
words of wisdom

v
n
n
n
pl n

show or represent
the moment when something is available for the public to buy
opportunities
letters sent by post compared with the speed of email
very good advice

bring up details
critical
details: bring up your details
great deal
hang on
intended recipient
put someone on hold

v
adj
v
n
v
n
v

nd information on a computer
very important
nd information about you on my computer
a lot
(inf) wait a moment
the person you wanted to contact
make someone wait to speak to the person they have called on
the phone

screen: get it up on the

screen

see, bring up your details

update
vacancy

v
n

add new information to

available job

UNIT 3

UNIT 4

Unit 5

brand awareness

knowledge among people in general that a certain brand exists

branding

giving a company or product a particular design or symbol in

order to give it an identity for marketing and advertising purposes

brochure

magazine published by a company advertising or giving

information about its products and services

capitalise on
centrepiece
dating skills
direct mail
drawback
dream up
essence
focus group

v
n
pl n
n
n
v
n
n

benefit from, take advantage of

the most important or attractive part or feature of something
ability to begin a romantic relationship
publicity sent directly to a person's home
disadvantage
invent
most important quality
group of people who are paid to discuss and give their opinions
for market research

gift
hit
hype

n
n
v

something which is given to you

time when someone visits a website
publicise strongly, advertise in an exaggerated way

leaflet

printed material of a page or a few pages publicising or giving

information about product and training

log on
logo
lottery

v
n
n

start using a computer; visit a website

design which represents a company or a product
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

the percentage of the market which is taken by a particular

product in comparison with competitors' products

online publicity
overheads

n
pl n

advertisements on the Internet

the regular and necessary costs, such as rent and heating, that
are involved in operating a business

pay a premium
ploy
point-of-sales display

v
n
n

pay a higher price

tactic or trick, especially when used in marketing
where products are arranged in a shop in a way which
advertises them to customers

post
profit margin
promotional activities
purchase
recognition
reinvent

v
n
n
n
n
v

pin on the walls

the percentage difference between income and sales
ways of advertising something
something which you buy
appreciation and acceptance
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
slogan
sponsorship

n
n
n

small example which shows what the rest of something is like

short, easily remembered phrase used to advertise something
helping by giving money to an event such as a sporting event
and in that way getting publicity

switch
target audience

v
n

change
person or particular group of people at whom something is
directed

task
website

n
n

job
computer le with words and pictures which you can reach
through the Internet

the amount of money moving through a business

UNIT 6
cashow

chill-out zone
co-founder
contacts

n
n
n

area for people to relax in

person you begin a company with
people, especially in high positions, who can give you useful
information or introductions which will help you at work

customer base
customised
decent
deli

n
adj
adj
n

regular customers
made especially to suit the users needs
good
small shop that sells high-quality foods, such as types of cheese
and cold cooked meat, which often come from other countries

entrepreneurial skills
found
FT

pl n
v
n

abilities connected with starting a new business

set up or establish a company or organisation
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

generic

n
adj

opportunity to sell a new product which isnt being sold already

relating to a group of similar things rather than one thing in
particular

keep momentum
label
line: new line
niche product

v
n
n
n

keep something developing after it has started

company name or symbol
new type of product
product which only interests very specialised customers and
does not interest the mass market

on the market
on the road
opt for
outsell
packaged
personal touch

adv
adv
v
v
v
n

for sale
travelling to different places
choose
sell more than other products
wrapped and displayed so that people will want to buy
having personal contact with and being aware of the needs of
every individual customer to make them feel special

pitch
player: big player
prohibitive
projected
sachet

v
n
adj
adj
n

aim, direct
large and powerful business
so expensive that you cannot afford it
planned
small, closed container made of paper or plastic containing a
small amount of something, usually only enough for one
occasion

secure a site
soar
sponsor
stand

v
v
v
n

rent a building or part of a building to run a business from

rise very fast
support nancially in order to get publicity for your company
arrangement of shelves and tables at an exhibition where an
organisation offers information, goods or services

start-up
stir
supply chain

n
n
n

small business that has just been started

a lot of interest
the network of companies who bring goods from manufacture
through wholesale supply and distribution to a retailer

take off
takings
turnover

v
pl n
n

start selling well, become a popular product

income received in a shop from selling goods
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
write-up

people telling each other about how good a product is

report, article

money you have available to spend

UNIT 7
budget

deliver
edge
rst-come-rst-serve
keen
liaise
man
meet your brief
power cut
server

v
n
adj
v
v
v
n
n

provide what was promised

advantage
dealt with in the order in which people ask
competitive
communicate and exchange information
be present at, help to run
carry out your instructions
interruption in the electricity supply
central computer from which other computers obtain information

stand out
trade event

v
n

make people notice

event within a particular business or industry

bulk: in bulk
carry a lot of stock
come back to you on that
gadget
get in
mark-up

adj
v
v
n
v
n

in large quantities
keep a large amount of stock in a shop / chain of shops
talk to you again in order to give you further information
small device or machine with a particular purpose
arrive
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
recommended retail price
(RRP)

v
n

(inf) put
price at which a manufacturer suggests a product should be
sold, although this may be reduced by the retailer

repeat order
sight: at sight
sort out
stick to
stock
take a seat
terms and conditions

n
adv
v
v
v
v
n

something which you order again

payable immediately, when the item is presented
discuss, deal with
not change or be forced to change
keep a supply of a product in the shop
(formal) sit down
the details in an agreement or contract

buy into
competition

v
n

invest in
other companies which produce the same goods or services as
your company

credit facilities
drop the idea
entrepreneur
estate agencies

pl n
v
n
n

arrangement to borrow or owe money in order to buy goods

decide not to continue
person who starts up a new business
businesses that arrange the selling, renting or management of
property and land for their owners

failure rate
fat cat

n
n

the number which do not succeed

someone who has a lot of money and who has the power to
increase their own income

fee
rst: in the rst place
franchise

money you pay for professional services

at the start
right to sell a companys products in a particular location using
the companys name

go from strength to strength

go it alone
household name
interior designer
legitimate

v
v
n
n
adj

UNIT 8

UNIT 9

become increasingly successful

start your own business
company name that most people have heard of
person who plans the decoration of the inside of a building
likely and reasonable

make a go of
make redundant
marketing

v
v
n

make successful by working hard

re someone because their job is no longer needed
the activity of presenting products or services to customers in
order to make them want to buy

never look back

outlet
prepared
prot

v
n
adj
n

become more and more successful

shop
willing, happy
money which is earned in trade or business, especially after
paying the costs of producing and selling goods and services

quit
redundancy money

v
n

give up, leave, stop doing

money paid to workers that a company no longer needs, to
compensate for losing their job

security

way of making sure that money which has been lent will be paid
back

source
take the plunge

v
v

nd
decide to do something risky after thinking about it for a long
time

terms: in terms of
trademark

when talking about

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
application
business card

n
n
n

private investor willing to invest money in new business

computer program designed for a particular purpose
small card to give to business contacts showing your name, job
title and details of the company you work for

catch on
cold-call

v
v

become popular
phone or visit possible clients to try and sell something without
any previous contact or appointment

defy a conventional business v

plan

be too difcult to explain in a normal business plan

get off the ground

government grant
gut instinct
have something to do with
hi-tech

v
n
n
v
adj

start
money given by the government for a special purpose
strong belief which cannot be explained
be connected with
using the most modern and advanced machines and technology

loan
make do
mortgage
nothing to beat
partnership
point blank
principal
savings
social security

n
v
n

money which is lent or borrowed

use what was available
money which you borrow in order to buy a house
nothing better than
company owned by two or more people
in a very few words without trying to be polite
the amount of money borrowed
money which is not spent but is kept to use in the future
money an employer pays into a government fund to cover
unemployment, sickness pay and retirement pensions

splash out
tax return

v
n

spend a lot of money on things you dont need

information given to the government about how much you have
earned a year

venture capital

investment from companies which specialise in high-risk new

business

wrapper
written in sand

n
adj

additional worksheets and other materials

not xed or dependable

n
adv
n
pl n
n

UNIT 11
agent

company which sells another companys products on

commission

bioinformatics
clear up
cloned

n
v
adj

information science about living things

deal with, get an explanation for
plant or animal which has the same genes as the original from
which it was produced articially

cross-fertilisation of ideas

mixing of ideas from different types of people to stimulate new

thinking

distributor

company which buys another companys products and sells

them in a particular region

get down to
get onto
great stuff
ground-breaking
hush-hush
keep up with
knowledge industry

v
v

start
start dealing with
(inf) Thats excellent!
new and very different from others of its type
secret
not fall behind
service industry in which employees deal in knowledge rather
than products and need a high level of education and training

milestone
purpose-built
right away
sector
spin-out business
state-of-the-art
stem-cell

n
adj
adv
n
n
adj
n

adj
adj
v
n

strings attached

mark, stage, level of achievement

designed and built for a particular use
immediately
area of the economy
new, separate company based on a original organisation
very modern
cell taken from a person or animal in a very early stage of
devlopment that can develop into any other type of cell
special demands or limitations (on the loan)

UNIT 12
digest
dry up
eye contact: make eye
contact

v
v
v

take time to understand

have nothing more to say
look at peoples eyes to keep them involved

feel free to
ndings
make the most of
premium
prompts
slide
would-be

v
n
v
adj
n
n
adj

dont be afraid to
information discovered
take full advantage of an opportunity which will not last long
higher than usual
list of key words used to remind you what to say
image which is projected onto a screen or wall
wanting or trying to be

accident: is no accident
bankrupt

adj

has been planned for carefully

having no money; unable to continue in business because you
cannot pay your debts

bear in mind
bid
bottom line
break the bank
business centre

v
n
n
v
n

remember when making plans

the price offered for a piece of work or a service
the most important thing
allow something to cost more than you can afford
facilities that business people can use to do work or contact
people, e.g. fax machines, secretarial help, Internet connections

chain

number of businesses owned by the same company

UNIT 13

frequent-ier program (UK

programme)

system where regular users of an airline earn points to get

benets and discounts

gathering
gush
keynote speaker
loyalty program

n
v
n
n

large group meeting

express so strongly that it does not sound sincere
the most important speaker at a conference
reward system, e.g. free hotel breaks to thank regular customers
for buying goods and services from a business

off-season
pitfall
plus
practice
pull together
rival

n
n
n
n
v
n

the time of year when there is less business activity

likely mistake or problem
advantage
method
create, organise
competitor, company which produces the same products or
services as your company

single out
staffer
subscriber
tweak
what really counts
wi-

v
n
n
v
v
adj

praise especially
(American English) member of staff
person who buys a service or a magazine on a regular basis
change in small ways
what is really important
wireless connection by which computers can connect to the
Internet up to a certain distance from where they are usually
plugged in

address
behind the scenes
boom
buzz
drop an email
eco-tourism
emerging market
enhance
entrepreneurship
formula
get round to it
implementation
implication
insight
intractable
Maori poi dance

deal with
which the public dont see or meet
grow rapidly and successfully
feeling of excitement
send a short, quick email
tourism connected with the environment and nature
new or developing market
improve
the starting up of new businesses
combination of things which will produce the result you want
do what youve intended to do
putting something into action
possible effect
understanding
seemingly impossible to solve
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
old hand
opening
outstanding
public sector
round the clock
time: for the time being
Umukai Polynesian feast

v
n
n
adj
n
adv

up-and-coming
winning combination

adj
n

UNIT 14

UNIT 15

v
n
v
n
n
v
n
n
v
n
n
n
adj
n

using the opportunity to meet people it might be useful to know

very experienced person
job opportunity
excellent
government organisations
all day and all night
for the moment
special meal where traditional food, kai (chicken, pork, sh and
vegetables), is steamed under banana leaves in a pit of hot
stones, an umu
successful
a successful mixture

coverage: brilliant coverage

occupancy rate

n
n

excellent reports in both quantity and quality

the average number of rooms occupied in a hotel over a period
of time, in this case, a year

quarter

period of three months

action point

thing assigned to specic person to be achieved before the next

meeting

adjourn

stop a meeting temporarily with the intention of continuing it at a

later time

call off
chair
get together
outcome
promotional literature

v
v
v
n
n

cancel
direct or manage a meeting
organise, produce
result
written adverts and marketing material about a company,
designed to encourage people to buy its products or services

put off
put solutions into practice

v
v

delay or postpone
act to solve the problem, not just think about it and then do
nothing

set up
skip
while were about it

v
v

organise
not attend a meeting on purpose
at the same time

workshop

meeting of people to discuss and/or perform practical work

appeals to
billion
classied ad

v
n
n

interests
one thousand million (,,,)
small advertisement usually placed by private individuals or
small companies

cyberspace
date: to date
desktop

the imaginary place where Internet data exists

up to the present time
software program where icons and les are displayed on a
computer screen

dot-com: the dot-com crash

period when there was fast growth in dot-com companies. A dotcom 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
hardware
knowledge worker

n
n
n

the activity of selling goods or services through the Internet

computer equipment or machinery (as opposed to software)
a person whose job requires a high level of education and
training

mission
network
one-stop shopping

n
n
n

company's main purpose

linked computers which can share information and programs
service providing everything you need in one place

page view

individual website page read by people logged onto the Internet

PDA
Personal Digital Assistant

n
n

short for Personal Digital Assistant

mini handheld computer which has multiple functions such as
word-processing, spreadsheet, diary and calendar facilities

place a premium on
real time

v
n

make very important

at the same time without having to wait

UNIT 16

UNIT 17

refine
roughly
streamline
title effect
top-heavy
track
twenty-four: 24/7 (twentyfour seven)

v
adj
v
n
adj
v

improve by making small changes

approximately
make a company, organisation or process more efficient
the way the title of a movie is brought onto the screen
with too many senior managers for the size of the company
monitor movements of, for example, parcels or shipments
all the time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

upside
web browser

n
n

advantage
computer program which gives you access to the Internet

v
v
adj
v

search the Internet

press the mouse button
not working, disconnected for a time
transfer information from the Internet to a computer
available for immediate use
find, locate
first/front page of a website
small picture or symbol on a computer screen that you click on to
open a program

UNIT 18
across the spectrum
browse
click
down
download
fingertips: at your fingertips
get at
home page
icon

v
n
n

information-rich site
itchy ngers

n
n

site which people visit mainly for the information it contains

people who will quickly leave your website and go to another one
if they dont nd it interesting

Javascript

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
loved one
navigation
online
portal

v
n
n
adj, adv
n

close down a computer

person that you love, usually a member of your family
moving around and locating of information
connected to the Internet
website which provides information and links to other websites

search engine
set way
site map

n
n
n

website which helps you nd other websites

xed method
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
trade: in the trade

adj

simple and easy to understand

working in or involved with a particular industry

upgrade
user-friendly
whet someones appetite

v
adj
v

improve the quality or usefulness

easy to operate
give someone a small experience to make them more interested

n
pl n
v

people taking time off work when they should be there

reductions made in order to save money
put into operation

UNIT 19
absenteeism
cutbacks
implement

machine tool

tool which uses power to cut and shape strong materials

peak time
rush hour

n
n

the busiest time

the busy part of the day when people are travelling to and from
work, and towns and cities are crowded

sick leave

absence from work through illness or when you say you are ill
because you do not want to go to work

staff retention

keeping employees and persuading them not to work for another

company

staff turnover

the number of employees leaving their jobs and new ones

starting in a company

take for granted

tie it into my work
uptight
working party

v
v
adj
n

believe something to be the truth without thinking about it

plan it to t what I have to do
stressed and easily annoyed
small group of people which studies a particular problem or
situation and then reports on what it has discovered and gives
suggestions

working practice
work-life balance

n
n

way of working
the amount of time you spend at work compared with your free
time

cost-effective
domestic
expense: at the expense of
intranets

adj
adj

of good value to you for the amount of money paid

from within the same country
at the same time having a negative effect on
systems of connected computers within organisations through
which employees can communicate with each other and share
information

justify
leave high and dry

v
v

provide a good enough reason

put in a difcult and inconvenient situation which is difcult to get
out of

non-committal
outsource

adj
v

not expressing an opinion

employ companies outside the organisation to do part of the
organisations work

phenomenon (pl
phenomena)

something unusual or interesting which is extremely successful

pros and cons

pl n

advantages and disadvantages

best practice
bond
business case
business culture
comment card
competitive advantage

n
n
n
n
n
n

best way of working

relationship
the real value to the business
the beliefs and way of behaving of a particular company
card on which customers write their opinions and suggestions
having an advantage over your competitors by being better than
them

competitive differentiation

the special things about a companys products that make them

different from those of other companies

UNIT 20

UNIT 21

trust someones abilities

condence: have condence

in someone
dealership

business that sells the products of a particular company, e.g. car

dealership

drive
empowerment

v
n

work hard to produce

giving employees responsibility so that they have the power to
make their own decisions in their job

engaged
provider of choice
repurchase
return on investment
revenue
sample shop
time and time again
trade in
trolley
vendor

adj
n
v
n
n
n
adv
v
n
n

involved and interested

the company people prefer to shop with
continue buying
the prot made from something you have invested in
income from doing business
typical representation of what people would normally buy
repeatedly
exchange
cart
person or organisation who sells something

after-sales service
brief

n
n

help or advice received after a purchase has been made

set of instructions

bulletin
commitment
customer care
customer services manager
discount the job
help desk
helpline
mail order
National Curriculum

n
n
n
n
v
n
n
n
n

short, written news update

willingness to give time and energy
the way customers are treated
person responsible for beforeand after-sales service
reduce the price
place customers can visit or phone when they have problems
telephone service for when customers have problems
buying goods, usually from a catalogue, by post
the set of subjects that children in England and Wales must
study from the age of ve to sixteeen

point of purchase
protable
quote
rack up
rapport

n
adj
n
v
n

the place where a product is sold

bringing advantages
price someone offers to do a job for / supply goods at
accumulate
good understanding of someone and an ability to communicate
well with them

register
retain
stand by
subscription service

v
v
v
n

show, express
keep
dont change
providing a service in return for a regular payment which can be
cancelled at any time

swallow
take trouble
target customer
there and then
up-front
user group

v
v
n
adv
adj
n

accept
make an effort
person or organisation you would like to have as a customer
immediately
honest
group of people who are interested in your products and can
give you feedback

whatever they throw at you

all their complaints and requests

v
adj
n
adj
n

think carefully about something

all the stages of a journey from the beginning to the end
machine used for lifting heavy things
for a long time
the amount of work one person can do in an hour
large amount of important work to deal with
make clear
large amount of goods sent together

UNIT 22

UNIT 23
deliberate
door-to-door
hoist
long-standing
man hour
plate: a lot on my plate
point out
shipment

v
n

take notice of

give attention to

n
n

stay informed about the most recent facts

short, amusing story
high level of quality which can be used as a standard when
comparing other things

UNIT 24
abreast: keep abreast of
anecdote
benchmark
customer prole
feature
get a feel for
hassle
keep abreast of
no end of
opposite number

n
v
v
n
v

retrospect: in retrospect
understaffed

English

description of an average customer

include as an important part
develop a good knowledge or understanding of
trouble
stay informed about the most recent facts
a lot of
person who has a similar job to you in a different organisation

adj

thinking back to something in the past

without enough employees

Part of
Definition
Speech

UNIT 1
autocratic
bonus

adj
n

demanding absolute obedience from other people

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
dress code
goal

adv
n
n

formally, or according to the rules

set of rules for what you can wear
aim or purpose

mentor

person who gives another person help and advice over a period of
time and often also teaches them how to do their job

vision

ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. could

develop in the future and to plan in a suitable way

dotcom
publicly accountable
rat race
red tape
streamline
board

n
adj
n
n
v
n

Internet company
responsible to the government
struggle of individuals in a competitive environment
paperwork
make more efficient
group of people who are responsible for controlling and organising
a company or organisation

bottom line

final line in the accounts of a company or organisation, which

states the total profit or loss that has been made

make redundant
market share

v
n

no longer employ someone because there is not enough work

percentage of all the sales within a market that are held by one
brand or company

monitor

watch and check a situation carefully for a period of time in order

to discover something about it

return
revenue
shareholder
UNIT 2
delegate

n
n
n

amount of profit on an investment

money earned from sales
person who owns shares in a company

give a particular job, duty, right, etc. to someone else so that they
do it for you

get down to work

v
hands-on approach
n
trouble-shooting skills n
pl

start to direct your efforts and attention towards work

way of doing things which is practical, not theoretical
ability to remove or solve difficulties

brand builder
brand image
empire
feedback

n
n
n
n

developer of a products image

impression of a product in the minds of potential customers
very large and important business organisation
remarks passed back to the person responsible, so that changes
can be made if necessary

fire
incompetent
ranks
rate
stake
venture
workload

v
adj
pl n
n
n
n
n

dismiss
showing lack of ability or skill to do something successfully
the membership of a group or organisation
level of payment
share or financial involvement in a business
new activity, usually in business, which involves risk or uncertainty
amount of work to be done, especially by a particular person or
machine in a period of time

administer
assess

v
v

manage or govern
judge or decide the amount, value, quality or importance of
something

brand management
crisis management
line management
middle management
performance pay

n
n
n
n
n

how a company manages its brands and brand image

process of dealing with difficult situations
direct management of staff
level between senior management and junior management
salary that increases when your work improves or becomes more
productive

quality management

managing systems in a company so that each department works

effectively and produces products or services of the required
standard

risk management

process of assessing and measuring possible dangers and

evolving strategies to deal with them

time management
UNIT 3

skill of administering your time so as to work effectively

budget

plan to show how much money an organisation will earn and how
much they will need or be able to spend

in-house magazine

publication which is written and produced within an organisation by

its employees

memo

message or other information in writing sent by one person or

department to another in the same business organisation

one-to-one interview
target
timekeeping
item
query
rota

n
n
n
n
n
n

meeting between just two people

level or situation which you intend to achieve
ability to arrive at a place at the time expected
one of several subjects to be considered
question
list of things that have to be done and of the people who will do
them

update
within budget
input

v
adv
n

give someone the most recent information

not exceeding the amount of money you have available to spend
something, such as advice, information or effort, that is provided in
order to help something succeed or develop

agenda
issue
overworked
UNIT 4
allot

n
n
adj

list of matters to be discussed at a meeting

subject or problem which people are thinking and talking about
having to work too much

give (especially a share of something available) for a particular

purpose

dealings
overview

pl n
v

activities involving other people, especially in business

short description of something which provides general information
about it, but no details

procedure

set of actions which is the official or accepted way of doing

something

proceedings
summon
undertaking
attendee
gross profit
incentive
internal candidate

pl n
v
n
n
n
n
n

series of events that happen in a planned and controlled way

officially arrange a meeting of people
formal promise
someone who goes to a place, event, etc.
companys profit before certain costs and taxes are deducted
something which encourages a person to do something
person seeking a position who already holds another job within the
organisation

interview panel

group of people who ask candidates questions to see if they are

suitable for a job

outcome
productive
psychometric test

n
adj
n

result
useful
exam to measure scientifically a persons mental capacities and
personality

report back
run over time
vacancy

v
v
n

bring information to someone in authority

take longer than scheduled
job that no one is doing and is therefore available for someone
new to do

schedule

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

send goods by any form of transport to a distant place

call-centre operative

person who works in an office where large numbers of telephone

calls, especially from customers, are handled for an organisation

customer care
frontline staff
outsourcing

n
n
n

protection and service provided to customers

employees with direct contact with customers
the practice of a company paying to have part of its work done by
another company

asset

something valuable belonging to a person or organisation which

can be used for the payment of debts

cross-selling

suggestion that customers buy additional or related accessories or

products during or just after their primary purchase

profit margin

profit that can be made in a business or sale after costs have been
subtracted

profitability
undervalue

n
v

capacity to make a profit

consider someone or something as less valuable or important than
they really are

enhance
UNIT 6
bid

improve the quality, amount or strength of something

compete against other firms by offering to do a job or contract for a

certain amount of money

brand identity
itemise
proven track record

n
v
n

see brand image

list things separately
all the successful achievements that someone or something has
had in the past

specification
value for money
allocate

n
adj
v

detailed description of how something should be done, made, etc.

something well worth the money spent
give something to someone as their share of a total amount, for
them to use in a particular way

benchmark

measure the quality of something by comparing it with something

else of an accepted standard

critical path

sequence of stages determining the minimum time needed for the

execution of an entire project

key stage
map
trade press

n
v
n

important time period in a sequence of events

make a plan in detail
magazine published for and read by members of a particular trade
group

bid for
estimate
team up with
work out
procurement
tender
entrant
fee
go out of business
UNIT 7
deadline
stock control

v
v
v
v
n
n
n
n
v

offer to do some work for a particular price

guess the cost, size, value, etc. of something
work together with
calculate
the obtaining of supplies
formal written offer to do a job for an agreed price
person who takes part in a competition or an examination
amount of money paid for a particular piece of work
no longer able to operate as a business

n
n

time or day by which something must be done

in a company or shop, the system of making certain that new
supplies are ordered and that goods have not been stolen.

outlay

amount of money spent for a particular purpose, especially as a

first investment in something

output

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
retail outlet
systems engineer

n
n
n

list of the people employed by a company

shop
person who designs and installs computer systems

VAT return

declaration of Value Added Tax (= a type of tax in European

countries which is paid by the person who buys goods and
services)

reinvest
sales force

v
n

invest again
all the employees of a company whose job is persuading
customers to buy their companys products or services

shipper

person whose job is to organise the sending of goods from one

place to another

tax exposure
UNIT 8
per capita

financial commitment to pay tax

adv

if you state an amount per capita, you mean that amount for each
person

factor
capialise on
consolidate

n
v
v

fact or situation which influences the result of something

use to your advantage
combine several things, especially businesses, so that they
become more effective

foreign exchange
fluctuation

rises and falls in the currencies of other countries

gain ground (on)

niche market

v
n

make progress at the expense of

small area of trade within the economy, often involving specialised
products

production capacity
storage and handling
facility

n
n

total amount of resources available to achieve maximum output

place or building used to store and distribute goods

disposable income

money which you can spend as you want and not the money which
you spend on taxes, food and other basic needs

distribution
join-venture partner
penetration

n
n
n

making goods available to customers

associate in a commercial enterprise which is undertaken jointly
how much share of a particular market a company or a product
manages to achieve

shift
spending power
player
UNIT 9
advertising campaign

n
n
n

change in position or direction

ability to purchase goods
important company involved in a market or industry

organised programme of advertisements, usually concerning

promoting a certain product or brand

banner ad

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
classified
ad/advertisement

n
n

knowledge of a particular make of product

small advertisement placed in a newspaper by a person wishing
to buy or sell something, offer or get employment, etc.

customer loyalty

when a customer favours a certain brand or company over others

(the company sometimes offers financial or other rewards for this
favouritism)

point-of-sale display

visual presentation for promotional purposes at the place where

goods are sold

sample

group of people or things that is chosen out of a larger number and

is questioned or tested in order to obtain information about the
larger group

barcode

small rectangular pattern of thick and thin black lines of magnetic

ink printed on an item, or on its container, so that its details can be
read by and recorded on a computer system

exposure
scanner
target audience
survey

n
n
n
n

experience of something
device for reading information into a computer system
particular group at which advertising is aimed
examination of opinions, behaviour, etc., made by asking people
questions

customise

make or change something according to the buyers or users

needs

purchase
sponsored link

n
n

something that you buy

text-based advertisement which describes an advertisers website
and the products and services offered

UNIT 10
account for
brochure

v
n

form the total of something

type of small magazine that contains pictures and information on a
product or a company

e-sale
n
over-the-counter sale n
recession
n

sales transaction performed digitally, usually over the Internet

ordinary sales transaction in a shop
period when the economy of a country is not successful and
conditions for business are bad

rocket
screen out
showroom

v
v
n

rise extremely quickly

filter out/remove
large shop in which people are encouraged to look at the goods
that are on sale before buying them

search engine

computer program which finds information on the Internet by

looking for words which you have typed in

corporate catering
service

business of providing food service to businesses (usually at a

remote site)

life insurance

system in which you make regular payments to an insurance

company in exchange for a fixed amount of money which will be
paid to someone you have named, usually a member of your
family, when you die

machine tool

mechanically operated tool for cutting or shaping wood, metals,

etc.

source
time-share holiday
home

v
adj

get something from a particular place

when people buy a holiday home together which each person can
use for a different part of the year

pop-up box (also

pop-up ad/pop-up)

form of online advertising on the World Wide Web when certain

websites open a new window to display advertisements

shop around

compare the price and quality of the same or a similar item in

different shops before you decide which one to buy

take (someone) for a

ride

deceive or cheat (someone)

direct response
advertising

form of advertising designed to obtain a direct response between

the viewer and the advertiser: the customer responds to the
marketer directly

UNIT 11
decline
dwindle
halve
plummet
recede
shrink
soar
take off
go bankrupt

v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v

gradually become less, worse, or lower

become smaller in size or amount, or fewer in number
if something halves, it is reduced by half
fall very quickly and suddenly
fall
become smaller, or make something smaller
rise very quickly to a high level
suddenly start to be successful or popular
become unable to pay what you owe, and have control of your
financial matters given, by a court of law, to a person who sells
your property to pay your debts

appraise

examine someone or something in order to judge their qualities,

success or needs

disclose

make something known publicly, or show something that was

secret

network
tax liability

v
n

meet people who might be useful to know, especially in your job

amount of tax which must be paid to the government

cold-calling

when a person in business telephones or visits a possible

customer to try to sell them something without being asked by the
customer to do so

margin
sales pitch
sales volume
UNIT 12
on site
reinstall
concierge service
get on board

n
n
n

amount by which revenue from sales exceeds cost of sales

way of talking that is intended to persuade you to buy something
amount of purchases made

adv
v
n
v

inside a factory, office building, etc.

put back into position and make ready for use again
doorkeeper or porter services
make (someone) part of a group or team, or become part of a
group or team

liability
mid-size
prospect
referral
screening

n
adj
n
n
n

when you are legally responsible for something

describes something that is neither large nor small
potential purchaser or customer
the referring of an individual to an expert for advice
examining someone or something to discover if there is anything
wrong with them/it

solicit
track down
up and running
risk-averse
UNIT 13
quality control

v
v
adj
adj

ask for money, information or help

find by searching or following tracks
operating
have a strong dislike for taking risks

process of looking at goods when they are being produced to

make certain that all the goods are of the intended standard

shortage
backup plan
competency
fall short
go bust

n
n
n
v
v

when there is not enough of something

scheme ready to be used in place of or to help another
important skill that is needed to do a job
fail to reach a target
if a company goes bust, it is forced to close because it is financially
unsuccessful

insight

(the ability to have) a clear, deep and sometimes sudden

understanding of a complicated problem or situation

morale

amount of confidence felt by a person or group of people,

especially when in a dangerous or difficult situation

pay off
retrenchment

v
n

if an investment or risk pays off, it is successful

when an organisation spends less or reduces costs to avoid losing
money

scenario
stock price
axe
in sync
layoff

n
n
n
adj
n

description of possible actions or events in the future

valuation of a companys shares
way to reduce the number of employees
at the same time or the same speed
when someone stops employing someone, sometimes temporarily,
because there is no money to pay them or because there is no
work for them

shortfall

an amount which is less than the level that was expected or

needed

turnover

amount of business that a company does in a period of time

measured in terms of the amount of money obtained from
customers

balance sheet

statement that shows the value of a companys assets and its

debts

current assets

n pl

something owned by a business that it does not expect to keep for

more than 12 months

debtor
depreciation
dividend

n
n
n

someone who owes money

loss of value of an asset such as machinery over time
(a part of) the profit of a company that is paid to the people who
own shares in it

emerging market
fixed assets
goodwill

n
n pl
n

area or country where there is growing demand for goods

building, equipment or land owned by a company
value of the popularity, the regular customers, etc. of a business
calculated as part of its worth when being sold

key

adj

very important and having a lot of influence on other people or

things

liability
operating profit
overdraft

n
n
n

debt
measure of profit that a business earns on its normal operations
an amount of money that a customer with a bank account is
temporarily allowed to owe to the bank, or the agreement which
allows this

premises pl

pl n

land and buildings owned by someone, especially by a company or

organisation

pre-tax profit

money which is earned in trade or business before taxes have

been paid

profit and loss

account

financial statement that summarises the expenses, losses and

overheads of a company, used to calculate the net profit

retained earnings

pl n

earnings which are kept by the company to invest in future

projects, market research, etc.

stock
bang heads together

n
v

total amount of goods available

when two or more people get together to work out complicated
issues, usually involving some argument, before reaching a
solution

collate
count on
go on a hunch

v
v
v

bring together different pieces of written information

be confident that you can depend on (something/someone)
act on an idea which is based on feeling and for which there is no
proof

have a bearing on
hunch
lucrative
mainstream
nose-dive, take a
pull figures out of the
air

v
n
adj
adj
v
v

have an influence on something or a relationship to something

see go on a hunch
producing a lot of money, profitable
desired by most people
fall or drop suddenly and by a great deal
choose numbers in a random way, rather than one based on
evidence or logic

underestimate

fail to guess or understand the real cost, size, difficulty, etc. of

something and think it is less

spreadsheet

computer program, used especially in business, which allows you

to do financial calculations and plans

UNIT 14
angel
backer
flutter
hire
loan

n
n
n
v
n

wealthy person who invests money in new business projects

person who gives financial support to something
small bet
employ someone or pay them to do a particular job
sum of money which is borrowed, often from a bank, and has to be
paid back, usually together with an additional amount of money
that you have to pay as a charge for borrowing

put up (money)
run at a loss
sponsor

v
v
v

provide or lend an amount of money for a particular purpose

cost more money than is received from sales
support a person, organisation or activity by giving money,
encouragement or other help

sue
deficit

v
n

take legal action against a person or organisation

amount of money a company has lost during a particular period of
time

feasibility
high-profile

n
adj

whether something can be done, made or achieved

attracting a lot of attention and interest from the public and
newspapers, television, etc.

logo

design or symbol used by a company to advertise its products

miscellaneous

adj

consisting of a mixture of various things which are not usually

connected with each other

offset

balance one influence against an opposing influence, so that there

is no great difference as a result

bankable
cash cow
running costs

adj

likely to make money

very profitable business or part of the business
money you need to spend regularly to keep a system or
organisation functioning

executive summary
reap the benefits
stock exchange
selling point
UNIT 15
bank charge
bookkeeping

n
v
n
n

overview of the main points of a business plan or proposal

get the benefit, etc. that is the result of your own actions
place where shares in companies are bought and sold
characteristic of a product which will persuade people to buy it

n
n

sum of money paid by a customer for a banks services

job of keeping a record of the money that has been spent or
received by a business

cash
credit limit
credit worthiness

n
n
n

money which is immediately available

maximum amount of money a bank will allow you to borrow
calculation of someones ability to pay back money which they
have borrowed creditor(p 67) someone to whom money is owed
[divide the two entries]

factoring

system of buying debts for less than they are worth and then
obtaining payment for them from the debtors

outgoings
overtrading

pl n
v

amounts of money that regularly have to be spent

operating a business while not having enough money to pay
creditors and employees

constraint

something which controls what you do by keeping you within

particular limits

order book

book in which a company or shop keeps a record of customers

orders

punitive

adj

used to describe costs which are so high they are difficult to pay,
and which are often used to punish someone or limit their activities

unauthorised
be in a position to

adj
v

without official permission

be able to do something, usually because you have the necessary
experience, authority or money

settle your account

transaction
extend your overdraft

v
n
v

pay all the money you owe

payment or business deal
lengthen the period of time before you have to pay back the money
you have overdrawn

registered letter

valuable letter which, for an additional charge, can protect the

sender against loss

UNIT 16
lease

legal agreement in which you pay money in order to use a building,

piece of land, vehicle, etc. for a period

penalty clause

part of a contract which punishes the person or organisation doing

the work if it is not completed on time

service agreement

contract between two businesses where one agrees to provide a

service to the other, or between a landlord and a tenant

bargaining point

something which someone else wants that you are willing to lose
in order to reach an agreement

compromise

agreement in an argument in which the people involved reduce

their demands or change their opinion in order to agree

deadlock

situation in which agreement in an argument cannot be reached

because neither side will change its demands or accept the
demands of the other side

envision

form a mental picture of something, typically something that may

occur or be possible in the future

pl n

horse-trading

negotiation which requires bargaining and each side reducing their

demands

leverage
in line with
leaseholder

n
adv
n

power to influence people and get the results you want

organised at the same level as
person who pays the owner of a piece of land, a building, etc. in
order to be able to use it

draw up
get down to business
get (something)
straight

v
v

jot down

write something quickly on a piece of paper so that you remember

it

landlord

person or organisation that owns a building or an area of land and

is paid by other people for the use of it

buzz session
n
knock (something) off v
the price

activity where a group of people make lots of suggestions quickly

give a discount off the price

deposit

sum of money which is given in advance as part of a total payment

for something

evict
lump sum
shell out
UNIT 17
camaraderie

v
n
v

force someone to leave somewhere

sum of money that is paid in one large amount on one occasion
pay, especially unwillingly

feeling of friendliness towards people with whom you work or

share an experience

competitive

adj

competitive prices, services, etc. are as good as, or better than,

other prices, services, etc.

field
lay off

n
v

area of activity or interest

stop employing (someone), sometimes temporarily, because there
is no money to pay them or because there is no work for them

outperform

do well in a particular job or activity compared to others of a similar

type

peer group

people who are approximately the same age as you and come
from a similar social group

underpaid
adversarial
approach
assembly
assembly line

adj
adj
n
n
n

paid less than the market rate

involving opposition or disagreement
way of considering something
process of putting together the parts of a machine or structure
line of machines and workers in a factory which a product moves
along while it is being built or produced. Each machine or worker
performs a particular job, which must be completed before the
product moves to the next position in the line

cipher

a person or group of people without power, but used by others for

their own purposes, or someone who is not important

impact

powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on

a situation or person

reward

something given in exchange for good behaviour or good work,

etc.

subcontractor

person or company that does part of a job which another person or

company is responsible for

transactional
peak
trend

adj
v
n

in a way that is a direct business exchange

reach the highest, strongest or best point, value or level of skill
general development or change in a situation or in the way that
people are behaving

absenteeism
sabotage
shop-floor worker

n
n
n

employees not being at work when they should be

intentional damage to machines, buildings, etc.
worker in a factory (the factory is the shop floor)

prepare something, usually something official, in writing

start talking about the subject to be discussed
understand correctly, or make something clear

union (also trade

union)

organisation that represents the people who work in a particular

industry, protects their rights, and discusses their pay and working
conditions with employers

white-collar worker

person who works in an office or at a professional job, rather than

one who works with their hands

worklife balance
across the board

n
adv

amount of time you spend at work compared with your free time
happening or having an effect on people at every level and in
every area

perk

advantage or benefit given to an employee in addition to their

salary, e.g. private health care or a company car

sick leave
surveillance
UNIT 18
blue-collar worker
freelancer

n
n

absence from work because of illness

the careful watching of a person or place

n
n

worker who does unskilled work rather than office work

worker who does particular pieces of work for different
organisations, rather than working all the time for a single
organisation

knowledge worker
self-employed

n
adj

person whose work requires specialist knowledge

not working for an employer but finding work for yourself or having
your own business

semi-skilled
temp

adj
n

having or needing only a small amount of training

person employed to work for a short period, especially in an office,
while another person is absent or when there is extra work

union rep

worker elected by workers in a factory or business to represent

them in discussions with management

downsize

if you downsize a company or organisation, you make it smaller by

reducing the number of people working for it, and if it downsizes, it
becomes smaller in this way

place a premium on
technophobe

v
n

especially value
person who dislikes or fears new technology

teleworking

the activity of working at home, while communicating with your

office by telephone, fax or computer

flexible working
home working

n
n

working without strict times for starting and finishing

working at home, while communicating with your office by
telephone, fax or computer

job sharing

doing part of a job with someone else, so that each person works
part-time

career break
career continuity
overtime
cut of the profits

n
period in which a person decides to leave their job temporarily
n
ability to continue your professional career
adv ?? extra payment for working beyond the usual time
n
share in the profits

loss adjuster

going rate
stockbroker

UNIT 19
buoyant
labour intensive
natural wastage

adj
adj
n

voluntary redundancy n
scheme

person who works for an insurance company and decides how

much money should be paid out in each case of something having
been damaged or lost
standard rate of payment for a particular job
person or company that buys and sells stocks and shares for other
people
healthy and strong
needing a lot of workers
reduction in the number of people who work for an organisation
which is achieved by not replacing those people who leave
arrangement when a company needs to reduce its workforce and
some employees choose to be made redundant (because they
have found another job or would like to stop working)

excess production
capacity

ability of a factory to produce more than it actually does

glitch
hire and fire
lead time
product-led

n
v
n
adj

small problem or fault that prevents something from working well

employ and dismiss
time needed to design and develop a new product
activities are determined by the requirements of the product (as
opposed to customer-led or marketing-led)

retool
stockpile
symposium

v
v
n

change or replace machinery in a factory

build up a large store of goods which have not been sold yet
occasion at which people who have great knowledge of a
particular subject meet in order to discuss a matter of interest

incentive payment
churn out
downside
gadget
manufacturing base
shift
vagaries

n
v
n
n
n
v
pl n

financial reward to stimulate action from staff or customers

produce large amounts of something quickly, usually of low quality
disadvantage of a situation
small device or machine with a particular purpose
all the companies producing goods in a country or region
sell
any of a set of unusual or unexpected events or changes that have
an effect on someone

UNIT 20
put your money
where your mouth is

show that you believe in something by spending/or investing

money

reformulate
v
resettlement package n

develop again all the details of a plan for doing something

collection of benefits offered to an employee who is relocating to
another town, city or country for their work

get your desk clear

finish all your work

put more on
someones plate

give someone more work to deal with

safety procedure
workstation
breadwinner
close down

n
n
n
v

official or accepted set of actions used to keep people safe

area in a workplace where one person works
member of a family who earns the money that the family needs
if a business or organisation closes down, or someone closes it
down, it stops operating

package

related group of things when they are offered together as a single

unit

cut back
legal entitlement

v
n

use in smaller amounts

something that, in law, you have the right to do or have, or when
you have the right to do or have something

one-off payment
n
out of pocket
adj
outplacement service n

money that is paid only once

having less money than you started with
professional service to help redundant employees to search for a
new job, paid for by the former employer

point on the pay

scale

position on the salary scale which shows different rates of pay

depending on your job and your seniority

proposal that organisations should be obliged to make decisions

based not only on financial/economic factors but also on the social
and environmental consequences of their activities

UNIT 21
corporate social
responsibility (CSR)
discharge a debt
ethics pl

pl n

pay a debt completely

a system of accepted beliefs which control behaviour, especially
such a system based on morals

faulty
advocate
benefits

adj
n
pl n

not perfectly made or not working correctly

person who supports an idea (or product)
things such as medical insurance that employees receive in
addition to money

better off

adj

richer

knock-on effect

when an event or situation has a knock-on effect, it indirectly

causes other events or situations

premise
progressive
recycle

n
adj
v

idea or theory on which a statement or action is based

encouraging change in the way that things are done
collect and treat rubbish in order to produce useful materials which
can be used again

regulation
stakeholder

n
n

official rule
person such as an employee, customer or citizen who is involved
with an organisation and therefore has an interest in its success

unethical
break even
economic downturn
pursuit

adj
v
n
n

not morally acceptable

make neither a loss nor a profit doing business
reduction in a countrys financial activity
when you try to achieve a plan, activity, or situation, usually over a
long period of time

slip
compliance
mandatory

v
n
adj

go into a worse state, often because of lack of control or care

when people obey an order, rule or request
describes something which must be done, or which is demanded
by law

word of mouth
crop

n
n

people telling each other how good a product is

(total amount gathered of) a plant such as a grain, fruit or
vegetable grown in large amounts

subsidy

money given as part of the cost of something, to help or encourage

it to happen

trade tariff

tax collected by a government on goods coming into or sometimes

going out of a country

UNIT 22
acquisition
double-digit
sustained
diverse footprint
expertise
line of business
synergy

n
adj
adj
n
n
n
n

buying new companies

number with two digits (i.e. between 10 and 99inclusive)
continuing for a long time
varied area over which something is present
high level of knowledge or skill
particular kind of commercial enterprise
the combined power of a group of things when they are working
together which is greater than the total power achieved by each
working separately

briefing
clutch
customer base
FTSE

n
n
n
n

meeting where information and instructions are given

handful
regular customers
Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 index; the main measure of
the amount by which the leading 100 shares sold on the London
Stock Exchange have gone up or down in value

rate
straight talking
surge
quarterly
staffing level

v
n
v
adv
n

judge the value or character of someone or something

direct and straightforward way of communicating with others
increase suddenly and greatly
once every three months
the numbers of employees

alignment

agreement between people who want to work together because of

shared interests or aims

calibre

degree of quality or excellence of someone

leafleting

giving out leaflets to people

management
reporting

monthly report(s) on financial performance produced by

management for shareholders

ongoing

adj

continuing to exist or develop, or happening at the present moment

realise
supply base
take over
supervision

v
n
v
n

change into money by selling

range of suppliers and potential suppliers
get control (of a company) by buying most of its shares
when someone watches a person or activity and makes certain
that everything is done correctly, safely, etc.

UNIT 23
in the pipeline
patent

adv
v

being planned and developed

register the official legal right to make or sell an invention for a
particular number of years

economies of scale pl pl n

where the costs of production fall as a business grows in size

ground-breaking

adj

if something is ground-breaking, it is very new and a big change

from other things of its type

get off the ground

if a plan or activity gets off the ground or you get it off the ground, it
starts or succeeds

global presence

if a company has a global presence, it sells its products all over

the world

presence
UNIT 24
contingency plan
have your hands in
the till

see global presence

n
v

programme of action designed for handling possible problems

steal money from the place where you work

in place
trade away
come under scrutiny
get a bad press
limited liability
company

adv
v
v
v
n

marketing-led

adj

pass on to someone else

subject to careful and thorough examination
receive criticism from the media
if this type of business goes bankrupt, then the owners will only
risk the money they have invested in the company
influenced by customers needs (as opposed to being product-led)