investment

Using money, time, or effort to gain money or other benefits later.

• The business needs more investment.
• Investment in training improved our sales.
• The government hopes to attract foreign investment.

How to use it: investment in something (The company increased its investment in new equipment.)

Similar words: investing

Common phrases: foreign investment, investment in something, encourage investment, long-term investment

The money, time, or effort you put into something to gain a future benefit.

• His investment was ten thousand pounds.
• We recovered our initial investment.
• The course requires a large investment of time.

How to use it: investment of something (The project requires an investment of time and money.)

Similar words: outlay

Common phrases: initial investment, recover an investment, large investment

Putting money, time, or effort into something because it should help you in the future.

• Good shoes are a worthwhile investment.
• Training is an investment in our staff.
• Her investment of time in the garden paid off.

How to use it: investment in something (Education is an investment in your future.); investment of something (Learning a language takes an investment of time.)

Common phrases: investment in something, wise investment, investment of time