ENGLISH
REFERENCE

startup

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈstɑɹˌtəp// UK //stˈɑːtʌp// start·up Archaic Dialect

n. a new company that is just starting to grow, usually in the technology or business world. These companies often try to solve a problem in a new way and hope to grow very fast.

n. a newly established business venture, typically characterized by high growth potential and a focus on innovative products or services. Often associated with the technology sector and venture capital funding.


SIMPLE

She left her corporate job to join a small tech startup.

CONTEXTUAL

The startup secured its first round of funding after demonstrating a working prototype of the app.

COMPLEX

While many startups fail within their first three years, those that successfully navigate the transition from seed funding to profitability often disrupt established market leaders.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Deverbal from start up.

Etymology 2

From start + up, describing a boot that starts up (reaches up) to the middle of the leg.

Usage

Often used as a compound noun or an attributive noun before another word, such as 'startup culture' or 'startup capital'.

Pitfall

the start up of the companythe startupLearners often use the phrasal verb form 'start up' with a prepositional phrase instead of the concise noun 'startup' to refer to the company itself.

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