working capital

This term is a specialized financial metric used primarily in accounting and corporate finance. It describes the immediate liquidity available to a business, serving as a barometer for operational efficiency and short-term financial health. A positive value suggests the company can meet its obligations, while a negative value may signal a liquidity crisis.

As a mass noun in a financial context, it is treated as uncountable. One does not refer to multiple working capitals of a single entity; instead, phrases like "an increase in working capital" or "a shortage of working capital" are used to describe changes in the amount.