investment

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   Money put into a business, property, or asset in order to make a profit or earn interest later.

   Grammar: Use 'an investment' for a particular sum or deal, and 'investment' as an uncountable noun for the general activity: foreign investment.

   Patterns

   • investment in something
   • make an investment
   • a good/bad investment

   She made a small investment in a local bakery and now owns half of it.

   Foreign investment in the region has grown steadily over the past decade.

   The house turned out to be a poor investment because the roof needed replacing.

2. 2noununcountable

   The act of putting money into something to make a profit.

   Grammar: Often used after verbs like 'encourage', 'attract', or 'discourage': The government wants to encourage investment.

   Patterns

   • encourage investment
   • attract investment
   • a return on investment

   The new tax rules are designed to encourage investment in clean energy.

   They calculated the return on their investment after five years.

   Investment carries risk, so never put in more than you can afford to lose.

3. 3nouncountable or uncountablefigurative

   Time, effort, or energy spent on something because it will bring a future advantage.

   Grammar: Common in phrases like 'an investment of time' or 'a huge investment of effort'; figurative, not about money.

   Patterns

   • an investment of time/effort
   • investment in someone/something
   • worth the investment

   Learning a second language is an investment of time that pays off for years.

   The company sees training as an investment in its staff, not a cost.

   Getting enough sleep is a worthwhile investment in your health.

4. 4nouncountable

   Something that you buy because it will be useful or valuable in the future.

   Grammar: Often used for expensive things bought for long-term use, such as a good coat or a reliable car.

   Patterns

   • a good investment
   • buy something as an investment
   • a wise investment

   A good winter coat is an investment you won't regret.

   They bought the painting as an investment rather than for pleasure.

   Good tools are an investment for any serious gardener.

Word forms

Common combinations

make an investment

Before you make an investment, read the terms carefully.

a return on investment

The fund promises a high return on investment.

foreign investment

Foreign investment fell sharply during the crisis.

long-term investment

A pension is a long-term investment.

investment bank

He works for an investment bank in the city.

a safe investment

Government bonds are considered a safe investment.

Synonyms and how they differ

funding

Funding is money provided for a project or organization, often by a government or sponsor, while investment is expected to bring a profit back.

capital

Capital is the money or assets a business uses to operate; investment is the act of putting money in, often to get more back.

stake

A stake is a share or interest in a company; an investment is the money you put in to get that stake.

Opposites

Word family

invest verb

To put money, time, or effort into something for future benefit.

investor noun

A person who puts money into a business or asset.

investing noun

The activity of putting money into assets.

Commonly confused: investment or investment?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “investment”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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