ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inventory

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnvənˈtɔɹi// UK //ˈɪnvəntɹˌi// in·ven·to·ry

n. a complete list of items, such as goods in a shop or tools in a factory. It can also mean the total amount of products a business has ready to sell.

n. a detailed, itemised list of assets, goods in stock, or contents of a building. In a commercial context, it refers to the value or quantity of materials and goods held by an enterprise.


SIMPLE

The shop closes early today to take a full inventory.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager noticed that the physical inventory did not match the numbers recorded in the digital database.

COMPLEX

Maintaining an accurate inventory is essential for supply chain efficiency, as it prevents both the accumulation of dead stock and the frustration of unexpected shortages.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English inventorie, from Medieval Latin inventōrium, alteration of Late Latin inventārium, from Latin inveniō (“to find out”).

Usage

Often used with the verb 'to take' when referring to the act of counting items.

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