# portfolio

/pɔɹtˈfoʊɫiˌoʊ/ (US) · /pɔːtfˈəʊlɪˌəʊ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. collection of work

noun · CEFR B1

a collection of your best work, like drawings or photos, used to show people what you can do.

For teachers: a curated selection of an individual's professional work, typically used in creative industries to demonstrate competence and style to potential employers.

- The graphic designer brought her portfolio to the interview to show her latest logo designs.
- Aspiring architects must assemble a diverse portfolio that showcases both their technical drafting skills and their conceptual creativity.

### 2. financial investments

noun · CEFR B2

the group of different investments, like stocks or property, that a person or company owns.

For teachers: the total collection of financial assets and investment instruments held by an individual or institution.

- He decided to diversify his portfolio by buying some gold and real estate.
- The fund manager rebalanced the investment portfolio to reduce exposure to volatile emerging markets during the economic downturn.

### 3. government role

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the specific area of responsibility given to a high-level government official.

For teachers: the specific set of duties or the department assigned to a cabinet minister or government official.

- The new minister was given the education portfolio in the recent government reshuffle.
- After the election, the prime minister assigned the foreign affairs portfolio to one of the party's most experienced diplomats.

### 4. product range

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the full range of products or services that a company offers.

For teachers: the complete suite of products, services, or brands managed by a commercial entity.

- The tech company is expanding its portfolio to include smart home devices.
- The corporation decided to divest from its tobacco interests to focus on its growing healthcare product portfolio.

### 5. carrying case

noun · CEFR B1

a large, flat case used for carrying papers or drawings.

For teachers: a portable case designed for the transport of large, flat documents, such as maps, sketches, or architectural plans.

- She tucked the large sketches into her leather portfolio before heading to the meeting.
- The artist carried a waterproof portfolio to protect his charcoal drawings from the sudden afternoon rain.

## Examples

- She brought her design portfolio to the job interview.
- The investor decided to diversify his portfolio by adding international stocks and real estate to his existing holdings.
- A professional artist must maintain a digital portfolio that showcases both their technical versatility and their unique creative voice to attract high-end commercial clients.

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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.