Workplace English runs on a different set of abbreviations from texting slang. Business and email shorthand is designed to save time in fast-moving professional communication while still sounding appropriate for colleagues, managers and clients — a middle ground between formal writing and casual chat.
This reference covers the abbreviations you'll meet constantly in emails, meeting invites, project trackers and workplace chat tools. Unlike texting slang, most of these are acceptable — even expected — in professional English, so learning them well is genuinely useful for anyone working or applying for jobs in English.
Abbreviation Reference Table
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FYI | for your information |
| ASAP | as soon as possible |
| EOD | end of day |
| COB | close of business |
| RSVP | please respond (from French, répondez s'il vous plaît) |
| OOO | out of office |
| TBD | to be decided |
| KPI | key performance indicator |
| WFH | working from home |
| N/A | not applicable |
| ETA | estimated time of arrival |
| CC | carbon copy |
| BCC | blind carbon copy |
| ROI | return on investment |
| POC | point of contact |
Example Sentences
Below is one example sentence for each abbreviation above, showing how it is actually used in context.
Other Abbreviation Groups
Practise Abbreviations
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Start Practising NowFrequently Asked Questions
What does FYI mean in a work email?
FYI means “for your information”. It signals that the message is background information and doesn't necessarily require a reply or action — just something the recipient should be aware of, such as “FYI, the meeting moved to 3pm.”
What is the difference between EOD and COB?
Both mean roughly “by the end of the working day”, but EOD (“end of day”) is used more loosely across time zones and calendar days, while COB (“close of business”) traditionally refers to the end of standard business hours in a specific location, so it's often used when time-zone precision matters.
What does CC mean and how is it different from BCC?
CC (“carbon copy”) adds recipients to an email who can see everyone else on the CC line — useful for keeping people informed. BCC (“blind carbon copy”) adds recipients whose addresses are hidden from other recipients, often used to protect privacy or copy someone discreetly.
Is it professional to write "ASAP" in a work email?
Yes, ASAP is standard and widely accepted in professional English, though overusing it or attaching it to every request can come across as demanding. Many workplaces prefer a specific deadline (“by 5pm Friday”) alongside or instead of ASAP for clarity.
What does OOO mean, and where is it usually used?
OOO means “out of office”, most often seen in automatic email replies: “I am currently OOO and will respond when I return on Monday.” It can also describe someone's status more casually in chat tools like Slack.
What does TBD mean on a schedule or agenda?
TBD means “to be decided” (sometimes “to be determined”), used as a placeholder when a detail — a date, a venue, an owner — hasn't been finalised yet: “Location: TBD.”
What is a KPI in business English?
KPI stands for “key performance indicator” — a measurable value used to track how well a team, project, or company is achieving its goals, such as sales growth, customer satisfaction scores, or response times.
Can I use N/A on a form or in an email?
Yes. N/A (“not applicable”) is standard on forms and in tables to show that a field doesn't apply to the current case, rather than leaving it blank, which could look like an oversight.
Do business abbreviations differ between British and American English?
Most core terms like FYI, ASAP, KPI and ETA are shared internationally in business English. A few, like COB, are more common in British and Australian workplace English, while American workplaces more often say “EOD” for the same idea.
Where can I practise business English vocabulary?
LexFizz's Cloze Dropdown and Quiz exercises are useful for practising professional vocabulary in context, and reading real workplace emails or LinkedIn posts is a great way to see these abbreviations used naturally.