What does entrepreneurial mean?
'Entrepreneurial' is an adjective used to describe anything connected with entrepreneurs or with the qualities they embody: initiative, risk tolerance, resourcefulness, and a keen eye for opportunity. Its most direct use refers to business activity — an entrepreneurial venture, an entrepreneurial economy, or an entrepreneurial mindset all point to the drive to create and grow enterprises rather than merely maintain them. The word has also broadened well beyond commerce; schools, hospitals, charities, and individuals can all be described as entrepreneurial when they show inventiveness and a willingness to take calculated risks to bring ideas to fruition. The connotation is almost always positive, suggesting energy, ambition, and self-reliance rather than recklessness. Derived from 'entrepreneur', which itself comes from the French verb 'entreprendre', meaning to undertake, the adjective carries that original sense of undertaking something bold. It pairs naturally with nouns like spirit, mindset, culture, and ecosystem, and it remains a staple term in economics, education policy, and everyday praise of go-getters.
adjectiveRelating to or characteristic of an entrepreneur, especially in showing willingness to take risks and seize opportunities to start or develop businesses. More broadly, describing a resourceful, initiative-taking approach even outside business contexts.
- Of or relating to entrepreneurs or entrepreneurship, especially the willingness to take financial risks to start new ventures.
- Displaying the qualities typical of an entrepreneur — initiative, resourcefulness, and readiness to exploit opportunities — often applied beyond strictly commercial settings.
"Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to turn a weekend hobby into a thriving online business."
"The city's startup incubator fosters entrepreneurial talent among recent graduates."
"She showed an entrepreneurial flair for spotting gaps in the market long before her competitors did."
The word traces back to the French verb 'entreprendre' — literally 'to undertake' — making an entrepreneur, at root, simply someone who undertakes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of entrepreneurial
'Entrepreneurial' derives from 'entrepreneur', borrowed into English from French in the late 18th century. The French word comes from 'entreprendre', meaning 'to undertake', formed from Latin 'inter-' (between) plus 'prehendere' (to grasp or seize) via Old French 'emprendre'. The adjective form developed as entrepreneurship became a recognized economic concept, particularly through the writings of economists such as Jean-Baptiste Say and later Joseph Schumpeter, who emphasized the entrepreneur's role in driving innovation.
Related word forms
How entrepreneurial is actually used
Register is neutral-to-formal; common in business journalism, economics, and education. Frequently used approvingly to praise initiative. The noun form of the quality is usually 'entrepreneurship', though 'entrepreneurialism' also exists.
Easily confused with entrepreneurial
'Entrepreneur' is a noun meaning the person who founds or runs a business venture, while 'entrepreneurial' is the adjective describing qualities or activities associated with such a person.
'Intrapreneurial' refers specifically to behaving entrepreneurially within an existing organization rather than founding one's own.