noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

venture

VEHN-chuh

Venture (noun) means a risky or bold undertaking whose outcome is uncertain. Example: “The two friends launched a new business venture together.”

noun

A risky or bold undertaking whose outcome is uncertain.

"The two friends launched a new business venture together."

"Climbing the north face alone was a dangerous venture."

verb

To dare to go somewhere or do something despite the risk.

"Few sailors dared to venture into the storm."

"She ventured a guess even though she wasn't sure of the answer."

How to use venture

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA venture is something risky you attempt (a business, a trip, an opinion); to venture is to take that risk.

Common pairings

business venture venture out venture a guess joint venture

Word forms

ventured past tense, ventures plural, ventures singular

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The two friends launched a new business _____ together.

Etymology

A shortened form of "adventure," worn down over centuries of everyday use.

Synonyms

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undertaking enterprise endeavour gamble speculation project

Related words

business company action program project design picture risk

Rhymes for venture

pure cure sure azure nature future manure secure impure injure figure allure

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Frequently asked questions

What does “venture” mean?

The word “venture” means a risky or bold undertaking whose outcome is uncertain. In plain terms, a venture is something risky you attempt (a business, a trip, an opinion); to venture is to take that risk.

How do you pronounce “venture”?

“Venture” is pronounced VEHN-chuh (/ˈvɛn.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “venture” in a sentence?

Here is “venture” used in a sentence: “The two friends launched a new business venture together.”

What part of speech is “venture”?

Depending on how it is used, “venture” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “venture” a common word?

“Venture” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “venture” have?

“Venture” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a risky or bold undertaking whose outcome is uncertain.

What is the difference between a "venture" and an "adventure"?

A venture is a risky or bold undertaking whose outcome is uncertain, usually with a practical or commercial goal such as a new business. An adventure emphasises excitement and unusual experience rather than a specific aim, and does not necessarily involve financial risk.

When should you use "venture" instead of "enterprise"?

Both refer to an undertaking, but venture stresses the element of risk and uncertain outcome, while enterprise emphasises organised, purposeful effort. A speculative startup is naturally called a venture, whereas a large, established operation is more often an enterprise.

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