income
Income refers to the money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments. It encompasses all forms of financial gain, including wages, salaries, rent, interest, and dividends, typically measured over a specific period.
Examples
3 of 5Most of his monthly income goes toward paying the mortgage and daily expenses.
Most of his monthly earnings are spent on housing and living costs.
The non-profit organization is legally required to disclose all sources of annual income.
The charity must reveal where all its yearly money comes from.
I'm looking for a side hustle to bring in a bit more income this year.
I want an extra job to earn a bit more money this year.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the literal parts of the word: 'In-come'. It is the money that 'comes in' to your bank account.
Quick Quiz
The family struggled to survive on a single ____ after the father lost his job.
Correct!
The correct answer is: income
Examples
Most of his monthly income goes toward paying the mortgage and daily expenses.
everydayMost of his monthly earnings are spent on housing and living costs.
The non-profit organization is legally required to disclose all sources of annual income.
formalThe charity must reveal where all its yearly money comes from.
I'm looking for a side hustle to bring in a bit more income this year.
informalI want an extra job to earn a bit more money this year.
Sociological studies often examine the correlation between household income and educational attainment.
academicAcademic research looks at the link between family money and levels of education.
The corporation reported a significant increase in net income during the last fiscal quarter.
businessThe company showed a large rise in total profit for the last three months.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
living beyond one's income
spending more money than one earns
passive income
money earned with little to no daily effort
fixed income
an income that does not change over time, like a pension
Often Confused With
Revenue refers to the total money a business brings in before expenses; income is the net profit or personal earnings.
Salary is a specific type of income paid by an employer, whereas income can include investments and side projects.
Usage Notes
At the C1 level, distinguish between 'gross income' (before tax) and 'net income' (after tax). It is frequently used in discussions regarding economics, social class, and personal finance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'income' when they specifically mean 'salary' (fixed monthly pay) or 'revenue' (total business turnover). Remember that 'income' is the most general term for money coming in.
Memory Tip
Think of the literal parts of the word: 'In-come'. It is the money that 'comes in' to your bank account.
Word Origin
From Middle English, originally meaning 'an entrance' or 'a coming in,' derived from 'in' + 'come'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, asking 'How much is your income?' is considered intrusive and impolite in social settings.
Quick Quiz
The family struggled to survive on a single ____ after the father lost his job.
Correct!
The correct answer is: income
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free