Words / B2

k-uh-MURSHL/kəˈmɜːʃl/

Commercial means connected with buying and selling, or intended to make a profit: a commercial success, commercial radio. Business is the everyday cousin; profitable is closer when money is the point. A commercial is also a noun for an advertisement on TV or radio. Commerce is the noun (trade). In speech, for profit or business is enough. Do not call a school play commercial just because tickets were sold — the word stresses a market purpose, not a one-off fundraiser.

Meaning

Connected with buying and selling, or intended to make a profit.

Examples

• “It was a commercial success.”
• “The app was a commercial hit, even if critics disliked the design.”
• “Commercial use of the photographs needs a separate licence.”

Good to know

Of business / profit. Noun: a commercial = TV/radio advert. Everyday: for profit / business. Contrast: non-profit.

Near in meaning

business

New