core business

Meaning

A company's 'core business' is its primary activity or the main source of its profits and identity. It represents the central focus of the organization, distinct from secondary ventures, side projects, or non-essential operations.

Examples

• We decided to sell our logistics division to focus entirely on our core business of software development.

  We decided to sell our logistics division to focus entirely on our core business of software development.

• Although they sell merchandise, their core business is actually streaming media.

  Although they sell merchandise, their core business is actually streaming media.

• If we distract ourselves with too many side projects, we risk neglecting our core business.

  If we distract ourselves with too many side projects, we risk neglecting our core business.

• The company is returning to its core business after a failed expansion into retail.

  The company is returning to its core business after a failed expansion into retail.

• Our core business remains highly profitable, even if the new subsidiaries are struggling.

  Our core business remains highly profitable, even if the new subsidiaries are struggling.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to focus on our heart business.

  ✓ We need to focus on our core business.

  While 'heart' signifies the center, 'core business' is the standard idiomatic business collocation.

• ✗ Selling shoes is our main target business.

  ✓ Selling shoes is our core business.

  'Target business' usually refers to a company you want to acquire or sell to. 'Core business' refers to your own main operations.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The tech giant is divesting from hardware to concentrate on its ___ of cloud computing.

  💡 The primary, most important business activity

  Show answer

  core business

• Don't let these minor projects distract you from the company's ___.

  💡 Central profit-making activity

  Show answer

  core business