# incorporated

/ˌɪnˈkɔɹpɝˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /ɪnkˈɔːpəɹˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incorporated
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. included or combined

verb · CEFR B2

to include something as part of a larger group, system, or plan.

For teachers: to include or integrate something as a constituent part of a larger whole. Often used in the passive voice or as a past participle.

- The new design incorporated many suggestions from the customers.
- The final report incorporated data from several independent studies to provide a more comprehensive overview of the environmental impact.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'into'.

### 2. legally formed company

adjective · CEFR B2 · American English

describes a business that is officially registered as a legal company.

For teachers: formed into a legal corporation; specifically, a business entity where ownership is divided into shares and liability is limited.

- The small family business eventually became an incorporated company.
- Once the firm became incorporated, the founders were no longer personally liable for the company's mounting debts.

Usage: In American English, often abbreviated as 'Inc.' after a company name.

Teaching tip: In British English, the term 'Limited' (Ltd) is more commonly used for this specific legal status.

## Examples

- The chef incorporated fresh herbs into the sauce.
- The design team incorporated feedback from the users to make the app easier to navigate.
- The new legislation successfully incorporated several amendments proposed by the opposition to ensure a more balanced approach to urban development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.