en·ter·prise 
/ˈɛntɚˌpraɪz/ noun
plural en·ter·pris·es /ˈɛntɚˌpraɪz/ noun 1 [count] : a project or activity that involves many people and that is often difficult
▪ Moving the drilling rig offshore was a costly enterprise. ▪ a criminal enterprise ▪ Agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people. 2 [count] : a business organization
▪ When he purchased the company it was a thriving commercial enterprise. ▪ The new regulations are intended to encourage the growth of small, independent enterprises. [=companies] 3 [noncount] : the ability or desire to do dangerous or difficult things or to solve problems in new ways
▪ She showed great enterprise [=initiative] as a young reporter. ▪ He was criticized for his lack of enterprise in dealing with the crisis.
▪ Moving the drilling rig offshore was a costly enterprise. ▪ a criminal enterprise ▪ Agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people.
▪ When he purchased the company it was a thriving commercial enterprise. ▪ The new regulations are intended to encourage the growth of small, independent enterprises. [=companies]
▪ She showed great enterprise [=initiative] as a young reporter. ▪ He was criticized for his lack of enterprise in dealing with the crisis.
— see also free enterprise, private enterprise
