English Reference

Word

entrepreneurial

Phoneticsen·tre·pre·neur·ial

US/ˌɑntɹəpɹəˈnɝiəɫ/

UK/ˌɒntɹɪpɹɪnjˈuːɹɪəl/

Definition

adj. having the skills and desire to start new businesses or find creative ways to make money. You use this to describe someone who sees opportunities and takes risks.

adj. characterised by the taking of financial risks in the hope of profit; demonstrating initiative and resourcefulness in business. Often used to describe a mindset or a specific economic culture.

Examples

“She has a very entrepreneurial spirit and always starts new projects.”

“The city's tech hub attracts entrepreneurial individuals looking to turn their innovative ideas into successful startups.”

“Economists argue that a robust recovery depends on fostering an entrepreneurial environment where small businesses can access the capital necessary to scale their operations globally.”

Examples

simple

“She has a very entrepreneurial spirit and always starts new projects.”

contextual

“The city's tech hub attracts entrepreneurial individuals looking to turn their innovative ideas into successful startups.”

complex

“Economists argue that a robust recovery depends on fostering an entrepreneurial environment where small businesses can access the capital necessary to scale their operations globally.”

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'spirit', 'mindset', or 'culture'.

Real-World Examples

“Myles McGinley, managing director of the Cambridge OCR exam board, said more pupils are taking GCSE business studies than in previous years, describing this generation of young people as “increasingly entrepreneurial”.”
The Guardian · 20 Aug 2026
“Many entrepreneurial people have attempted to cash in.”
The Guardian · 12 Aug 2026

Word family

entrepreneurNounentrepreneurialAdjectiveentrepreneurshipNoun

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference