unicorn

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Academic · Technical

n. a private startup company that is worth more than one billion dollars.

n. a privately held startup company with a current valuation of one billion US dollars or more.

“The app became a unicorn just two years after it was launched.”

“Investors are increasingly cautious about pouring capital into potential unicorns that lack a clear path to profitability despite their high valuations.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a person or thing that is very rare and difficult to find.

n. a person or thing that is exceptionally rare, highly desirable, and difficult to encounter in a specific context.

“A reliable mechanic who charges fair prices is a total unicorn.”

“Finding a candidate with both deep technical expertise and high-level management experience proved to be a search for a true unicorn.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

adj. having many bright or pastel colours, like a rainbow.

adj. characterised by a vibrant, multicoloured, or pastel aesthetic, often associated with fantasy themes.

“She dyed her hair a unicorn mix of pink, purple, and blue.”

“The bakery specialised in unicorn cakes decorated with iridescent glitter and multi-hued frosting.”

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical · Informal

v. to reach a business value of over one billion dollars.

v. to achieve a valuation exceeding one billion dollars as a privately held company.

“The fintech startup is expected to unicorn by the end of the fiscal year.”

“Few companies manage to unicorn within their first eighteen months of operation without significant venture capital backing.”