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income

/ˈɪnˌkʌm/

[C/U] Both
pl: incomes

Income refers to the flow of money entering a person's or entity's possession. Unlike 'wealth', which represents a total stockpile of assets, income is about the recurring stream of revenue. It carries a neutral, professional connotation and is the standard term used in legal, tax, and financial contexts. While 'salary' refers specifically to fixed payment from an employer, 'income' is broader, encompassing dividends, rental yields, and side-hustles. In social contexts, it often serves as a proxy for socioeconomic status or stability. It is typically paired with modifiers like "gross" (before taxes) or "net" (after deductions) to specify the actual usable amount of money.

Uncountable when referring to the general flow of money entering a household ('low income'). Countable when distinguishing between different sources or types of revenue ('multiple streams of income').

💬Conversación Casual

🎬Tuesday afternoon, David is texting Brian from his office during a slow period.
David Smith

Thinking of pivoting to consulting. Need more passive income to scale my lifestyle.

David Smith
Brian
Brian

Just stop buying fancy watches and you'll be golden.

💡
David uses corporate buzzwords like 'pivoting' and 'scale' to describe his personal finances. Brian responds with a blunt, grumpy tone using the idiom 'you'll be golden', meaning he will be in a good position or successful.

Meanings

Noun

Money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments.

"The family's total annual income has increased by ten percent this year."

Last Updated: May 25, 2026Report an Error