Meaning & use
key figures
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“key figures” is a form of “key figure”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
The most important people in a situation, organization, or event.
Grammar: Always plural in this sense; singular is 'key figure'.
Patterns
- key figures in something
- meet with key figures
Key figures in the government met to discuss the crisis.
She interviewed key figures from the fashion industry.
The key figures of the movement were honored at the ceremony.
nounplural
Important numbers or statistics that summarize a situation, especially in business or finance.
Grammar: Often used in reports; singular 'key figure' can refer to one number.
Patterns
- key figures for something
- release key figures
The company released its key figures for the last quarter.
The key figures show a rise in sales.
Analysts studied the key figures before investing.
Word forms
| singular | key figure |
|---|
Common combinations
- key figures in the industry
- Key figures in the industry attended the conference.
- key financial figures
- The report includes key financial figures.
- key figures show
- The key figures show a decline in unemployment.
Synonyms and how they differ
- leading figures
- Similar, but 'leading' emphasizes being ahead or most successful.
- statistics
- For the numerical sense, 'statistics' is more general and not necessarily key.
Word family
- figure noun
- A number or an important person.
Practice
In which context would you most likely hear 'key figures'?
Choose one answer.
'Key figures' often refers to important statistics in business or finance. The other contexts are less likely to use this term.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “key figures”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.