pivot

B2 · Upper Intermediate Business Informal

v. to quickly change your plans or way of doing things, especially in business.

v. to fundamentally change the direction or strategy of a business or project in response to market feedback or new data.

“The company decided to pivot to online sales after their physical shops closed.”

“Recognising that their original software was too complex for the average user, the startup decided to pivot toward a simplified mobile-first interface.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a pin or point that something turns on.

n. a short shaft or pin on which something turns or oscillates.

“The gate was heavy, so the metal pivot at the bottom had to be very strong.”

“The engineer inspected the central pivot of the bridge, ensuring that the rotational mechanism remained free of corrosion and debris.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. the most important person or thing that a situation depends on.

n. a person or thing on which something else depends or turns; a central or crucial factor.

“The young midfielder became the pivot of the team's entire attacking strategy.”

“The trade agreement served as the pivot for the region's economic recovery, providing the stability necessary for long-term foreign investment.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Politics American English

n. a change in what a politician says to appeal to more voters.

n. a strategic shift in a political candidate's messaging, typically toward the centre, during a general election campaign.

“After the primary, the candidate made a pivot to talk more about the economy.”

“Political analysts noted the senator's subtle pivot toward moderate voters in the final weeks before the general election.”