Walking into an English-speaking workplace can feel nerve-wracking when you're still building your vocabulary. You know basic English, but suddenly people are using words like "bandwidth" and "circle back" that weren't in your textbook. Here's the good news: professional English isn't about memorizing a dictionary. It's about knowing the right words for the right situations.

This guide breaks down 56 practical words you'll hear (and need) in meetings, emails, presentations, and casual office chat. Each word comes with clear explanations and real examples so you can start using them naturally.

Meeting & Discussion Words

1. Agenda

The list of topics you'll discuss in a meeting.

Examples:

  • "Did everyone receive the agenda for tomorrow's meeting?"
  • "Let's stick to the agenda so we finish on time."

Tip: Think of "agenda" as the meeting's plan or roadmap.

2. Clarify

To make something clearer or easier to understand.

Examples:

  • "Could you clarify what you meant by 'urgent'?"
  • "Just to clarify, the deadline is Friday, right?"

Tip: Use this when you're confused and need better explanation.

3. Feedback

Comments or opinions about someone's work or ideas.

Examples:

  • "I'd appreciate your feedback on this proposal."
  • "The client gave positive feedback about our presentation."

Tip: Feedback can be good or bad—it's just information to help improve.

4. Follow up

To check on something again or continue a previous conversation.

Examples:

  • "I'll follow up with you next week about the project status."
  • "Can someone follow up with IT about the software issue?"

Tip: Picture yourself "following" behind something to check on it.

5. Implement

To put a plan or decision into action.

Examples:

  • "We'll implement the new system starting next month."
  • "How quickly can we implement these changes?"

Tip: Think "make it real" or "actually do it."

6. Initiative

A new plan or project, often showing leadership.

Examples:

  • "She took the initiative to organize weekly team meetings."
  • "Our company is launching a new sustainability initiative."

Tip: Someone with initiative doesn't wait to be told what to do.

7. Objective

A goal or target you want to achieve.

Examples:

  • "What's our main objective for this quarter?"
  • "My objective is to finish this report by Wednesday."

Tip: Similar to "goal," but sounds more professional.

8. Postpone

To delay or move something to a later time.

Examples:

  • "We need to postpone the meeting until everyone can attend."
  • "Should we postpone the launch date?"

Tip: "Post" means after, so you're moving it to after (later).

9. Prioritize

To decide which tasks are most important and should be done first.

Examples:

  • "Let's prioritize the urgent requests before handling routine tasks."
  • "Can you help me prioritize my to-do list?"

Tip: Think of making a "priority list" with top items first.

10. Update

New information about a situation or project.

Examples:

  • "I'll send you an update once I hear from the client."
  • "Can you give us a quick update on where things stand?"

Tip: Updates bring you "up" to the current situation.

Email & Communication Words

11. Attached

Files or documents included with an email.

Examples:

  • "Please find the report attached to this email."
  • "I've attached the presentation slides for your review."

Tip: Always check you actually attached the file before sending!

12. Acknowledge

To confirm you received or understood something.

Examples:

  • "Please acknowledge receipt of this email."
  • "I acknowledge that the deadline is tight, but we'll manage."

Tip: It's like saying "Yes, I got it" formally.

13. Brief

Short and to the point, or a short summary of information.

Examples:

  • "Keep your presentation brief—just 10 minutes."
  • "Can you give me a brief summary of what happened?"

Tip: Brief = quick. Think "brief" sounds like "leaf" which is thin and small.

14. Confirm

To verify that something is correct or will happen.

Examples:

  • "Can you confirm our meeting time for Thursday?"
  • "I'm writing to confirm your attendance at the workshop."

Tip: Making sure something is definitely true or happening.

15. Coordinate

To organize people or activities to work together smoothly.

Examples:

  • "I'll coordinate with the design team about the timeline."
  • "Who's coordinating the office party?"

Tip: Like a coordinator who makes sure everything fits together.

16. Inquiry

A question or request for information.

Examples:

  • "We received an inquiry about our services from a potential client."
  • "Thank you for your inquiry regarding pricing."

Tip: Fancy word for "question"—used in formal communication.

17. Notify

To inform someone about something officially.

Examples:

  • "Please notify me when the package arrives."
  • "We'll notify all employees about the policy change."

Tip: Like sending a "notification" on your phone.

18. Prompt

Quick or on time, or to encourage someone to do something.

Examples:

  • "Thank you for your prompt response."
  • "This email is to prompt you about the upcoming deadline."

Tip: Prompt = fast. Don't keep people waiting.

19. Regarding

About or concerning a particular topic.

Examples:

  • "I'm writing regarding your application."
  • "Do you have any questions regarding the new policy?"

Tip: Professional way to say "about."

20. Request

To ask for something formally.

Examples:

  • "I'd like to request time off next week."
  • "She submitted a request for additional resources."

Tip: More polite and professional than just "ask."

Project & Task Words

21. Allocate

To give or assign resources, time, or tasks.

Examples:

  • "We need to allocate more budget to marketing."
  • "Can you allocate two hours for this task?"

Tip: Think of distributing pieces of a pie to different people.

22. Deadline

The date or time by which something must be completed.

Examples:

  • "The deadline for submissions is Friday at 5 PM."
  • "Can we extend the deadline by a few days?"

Tip: Dead = end. It's the line you can't cross.

23. Delegate

To assign tasks to other people.

Examples:

  • "Good managers know how to delegate effectively."
  • "I'm going to delegate this task to Sarah."

Tip: You can't do everything alone—share the work.

24. Deliverable

Something you need to complete and provide (a result or product).

Examples:

  • "What are the key deliverables for this project?"
  • "We need to submit all deliverables by month-end."

Tip: It's what you "deliver" to someone—the finished work.

25. Evaluate

To assess or judge the quality or value of something.

Examples:

  • "We'll evaluate all candidates before making a decision."
  • "Let's evaluate how successful the campaign was."

Tip: Like giving something a grade or score.

26. Milestone

An important point or achievement in a project.

Examples:

  • "Completing the first prototype is a major milestone."
  • "We've reached our six-month milestone ahead of schedule."

Tip: Like a "mile marker" on a road showing progress.

27. Outcome

The result or consequence of something.

Examples:

  • "What was the outcome of the meeting?"
  • "We're hoping for a positive outcome from the negotiation."

Tip: The "come out" of a situation—what happens in the end.

28. Proposal

A formal suggestion or plan presented for consideration.

Examples:

  • "I'm preparing a proposal for the new project."
  • "The client approved our proposal."

Tip: You're "proposing" an idea—like proposing marriage, but for work!

29. Resources

Materials, people, money, or tools needed to do something.

Examples:

  • "Do we have enough resources to complete this project?"
  • "Human resources handles employee matters."

Tip: Everything you need to get the job done.

30. Timeline

A schedule showing when things should happen.

Examples:

  • "What's the timeline for launching the new website?"
  • "The timeline is tight, but achievable."

Tip: A line showing time from start to finish.

Problem-Solving & Decision Words

31. Address

To deal with or give attention to a problem or issue.

Examples:

  • "We need to address the customer complaints immediately."
  • "This meeting will address concerns about the new policy."

Tip: Not about street addresses—means "handle" or "tackle."

32. Alternative

Another option or choice.

Examples:

  • "If that doesn't work, we'll need an alternative plan."
  • "What are the alternatives to this solution?"

Tip: Plan B when Plan A doesn't work.

33. Approach

A way of dealing with something.

Examples:

  • "What's your approach to solving this problem?"
  • "We need a different approach this time."

Tip: How you "come near" or tackle something.

34. Challenge

A difficult task or problem.

Examples:

  • "The main challenge is staying within budget."
  • "This project presents several challenges."

Tip: Professional word for "problem"—sounds more positive.

35. Concern

Something that worries you or needs attention.

Examples:

  • "My main concern is the tight deadline."
  • "Do you have any concerns about the plan?"

Tip: Softer than saying "problem"—shows care.

36. Issue

A problem or topic that needs discussion.

Examples:

  • "We're experiencing technical issues with the software."
  • "Let's discuss the main issues at tomorrow's meeting."

Tip: Another professional word for "problem."

37. Resolve

To find a solution to a problem.

Examples:

  • "We need to resolve this conflict between departments."
  • "The IT team resolved the server issue quickly."

Tip: Think "solving" problems to make them disappear.

38. Solution

An answer or way to fix a problem.

Examples:

  • "We're working on a solution to reduce costs."
  • "That's a creative solution to the problem."

Tip: The answer that makes the problem go away.

39. Strategy

A plan designed to achieve a long-term goal.

Examples:

  • "Our marketing strategy focuses on social media."
  • "What's your strategy for handling difficult clients?"

Tip: Like a game plan—thinking ahead.

40. Viable

Possible or practical to do.

Examples:

  • "Is this plan financially viable?"
  • "We need to find a viable solution quickly."

Tip: If it's viable, it can actually work in real life.

Professional Relationship Words

41. Collaborate

To work together with others.

Examples:

  • "We'll collaborate with the design team on this project."
  • "Good collaboration leads to better results."

Tip: "Co" = together, "labor" = work.

42. Colleague

A person you work with.

Examples:

  • "I'd like to introduce you to my colleague, James."
  • "My colleagues are very supportive."

Tip: More professional than "coworker."

43. Contribute

To give or add something valuable.

Examples:

  • "Everyone should contribute ideas to the brainstorming session."
  • "She contributed significantly to the project's success."

Tip: You're adding your piece to the bigger picture.

44. Facilitate

To make something easier or help it happen.

Examples:

  • "I'll facilitate the workshop next week."
  • "Good communication facilitates teamwork."

Tip: You're helping things flow smoothly.

45. Liaise

To communicate between groups or act as a connection.

Examples:

  • "I'll liaise with the sales team about client needs."
  • "Who's liaising with external vendors?"

Tip: Pronunciation: "lee-AYZ"—you're the bridge between groups.

46. Stakeholder

Anyone affected by or interested in a project or decision.

Examples:

  • "We need to get approval from all stakeholders."
  • "Key stakeholders include clients, employees, and investors."

Tip: People who have a "stake" (interest) in what happens.

47. Supervisor

Someone who manages or oversees your work.

Examples:

  • "I'll check with my supervisor before making that decision."
  • "Your supervisor will conduct your performance review."

Tip: They "supervise" (watch over) your work.

48. Teamwork

Working together cooperatively as a group.

Examples:

  • "This project requires strong teamwork."
  • "Good teamwork makes challenging tasks easier."

Tip: Simple but important—it's why you have a team!

Performance & Progress Words

49. Accomplish

To successfully complete something.

Examples:

  • "We accomplished all our goals this quarter."
  • "What do you hope to accomplish this week?"

Tip: You finished it and did it well.

50. Achieve

To reach or attain a goal.

Examples:

  • "She achieved excellent results in her first year."
  • "How can we achieve better efficiency?"

Tip: You got what you were aiming for.

51. Efficient

Working well without wasting time or resources.

Examples:

  • "We need a more efficient process for handling orders."
  • "She's very efficient at managing her time."

Tip: Getting the best results with the least waste.

52. Progress

Forward movement toward a goal.

Examples:

  • "We're making good progress on the website redesign."
  • "Can you update me on your progress?"

Tip: Moving forward, not backward or staying still.

53. Productivity

How much work gets done in a certain time.

Examples:

  • "Taking breaks actually improves productivity."
  • "Our team's productivity increased this month."

Tip: "Produce" = make things. More production = more productivity.

54. Streamline

To make a process simpler and more efficient.

Examples:

  • "We're streamlining the approval process to save time."
  • "The new software will streamline operations."

Tip: Like making a stream flow smoothly—remove obstacles.

Time & Schedule Words

55. Flexible

Able to change or adapt easily.

Examples:

  • "Can we be flexible with the meeting time?"
  • "We offer flexible working hours."

Tip: Bends without breaking—adaptable.

56. Urgent

Needing immediate attention.

Examples:

  • "This is urgent—we need a response today."
  • "How urgent is this task?"

Tip: Can't wait—needs to happen now.

Practice Section

Here's a quick exercise to test what you've learned. Fill in the blanks with words from the list:

  1. "Could you ___ what you meant? I didn't quite understand." (clarify)
  2. "We need to ___ this issue before it gets worse." (address/resolve)
  3. "I'll ___ with you next week about the results." (follow up)
  4. "Please find the document ___ to this email." (attached)
  5. "Let's ___ the most important tasks first." (prioritize)

Try using three of these words in sentences about your own work today. The more you practice, the more natural they'll feel.

Final Thoughts

You don't need to memorize all 56 words overnight. Pick five that you'll definitely use this week and practice them in real situations. Maybe write them on a sticky note by your computer. When those feel comfortable, add five more.

Professional English isn't about sounding fancy—it's about communicating clearly and confidently. These words will help you participate in meetings, write better emails, and understand what your colleagues are talking about. The secret is simply using them until they become second nature.

Start small, practice often, and before you know it, you'll be using these words without even thinking about it. That's when you know you've really made them yours.