noun
investment
Money, time, or effort committed in expectation of a future benefit.
The bakery's investment in new ovens helps it fill more orders.
Etymology
Invest acquired the sense of putting resources into an undertaking. The noun ending names that commitment and the resources committed in the expectation of a return.
More examples
- Learning a new language requires a steady investment of time.
- A healthy garden takes an investment of time and effort.
- The company makes regular investments in employee training.
Forms
investment · investments
invest verb — Commit money or effort for future benefit.
investor noun — Someone who commits money for financial gain.
Similar words
- outlay
- Usually means money spent, without necessarily implying a future benefit.
- commitment
- Emphasizes dedication or obligation rather than an expected future return.