Upswing
An upswing refers to a period characterized by an improvement or acceleration in economic growth, also known as an economic expansion. This phase typically features increased economic activity, rising GDP, higher employment rates, and often improvements in consumer and business confidence.
Uptick
An uptick indicates that the latest trade in a stock is at a higher price than the previous trade. A zero-plus tick is a trade at the last price with the preceding different price registered as an uptick.
Uptime
Uptime refers to the period during which a machine or system is operational and functioning correctly, allowing workers to be productive and maintain business continuity.
Uptrend
An uptrend refers to the general upward direction in the price of a stock, bond, commodity futures contract, or overall market, characterized by higher highs and higher lows over a period.
Upwardly Mobile
A segment of the population that is attempting to move up on the socioeconomic class scale. 'Upwardly mobile' describes a trend toward higher status in terms of income, material goods, and lifestyles.
Urban
Urban refers to areas characterized by high population density, extensive infrastructure, and significant human settlement, often forming the core of metropolitan regions.
Urban Renewal
Urban renewal is the process of redeveloping deteriorated sections of a city, often through demolition and new construction. It aims to revitalize urban areas to spur economic development and improve living conditions.
Urban Sprawl
Urban Sprawl is a pejorative term for low-density development in suburban and the fringe of urban areas. It is characterized by distance from employment and commercial centers, dependence on automobile travel, and extended public infrastructure.
Urgent Issues Task Force (UITF)
The Urgent Issues Task Force (UITF) is a body responsible for providing timely guidance on new or emerging accounting issues that may not yet be addressed sufficiently by existing standards.
Urgent Issues Task Force (UITF)
The Urgent Issues Task Force (UITF) was established in 1991 as part of the Accounting Standards Board. It was responsible for tackling urgent matters not covered by existing standards, especially where the customary standard-setting process could not be applied due to time constraints. The UITF was disbanded in 2012 as part of the reform of the Financial Reporting Council.
Usage Rate
Usage rate refers to the speed at which a commodity, raw material, or other resource is used up. It measures consumption over a specific period and is crucial for managing inventory, production schedules, and financial planning.
Usance
Usance refers to the period allowed for the payment of a foreign bill of exchange. This term has played a crucial role in international trade finance by specifying the timeframe within which the debtor must settle their account.
USB Drive
A USB drive, also known as a flash drive, jump drive, memory stick, or thumb drive, is a portable, plug-and-play, small storage device that can be attached to a keychain, which can be recognized immediately as an external drive when plugged into any USB port. Available in capacities up to 8 GB and higher.
Useful Economic Life
The useful economic life, or useful life, is the period for which the present owner of an asset will derive economic benefits from its use.
Useful Life
Useful life refers to the period of time over which a depreciable asset is expected to provide a competitive return or service. The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) allows depreciable lives for tax deduction purposes that may differ from the useful life of the property.
Usenet Newsgroups
Usenet Newsgroups are collections of messages and files shared among users within the Internet-based system of Usenet, serving various interests and topics. They are categorized and accessible through newsreader software.
User Fee
A user fee is a charge typically imposed by a municipality or governing body for the specific use of a service. Rather than being funded through broad-based taxes, the cost of municipal services such as parks, swimming pools, and toll roads is covered by those who directly use and benefit from them.
User ID
A User ID is the unique identifier by which a user is identified on a particular computer network or system, typically used in conjunction with a password for secure access.
User-Friendly
User-friendly refers to computer hardware or software designed to be easy for people, especially novices, to use. It indicates that the interface and functionality are intuitive, easy to learn, and efficient to operate.
Usufructuary Right
A usufructuary right enables an individual to use or benefit from property owned by another person temporarily, without altering the ownership of the property.
Usury
Usury refers to the practice of charging an interest rate on loans that exceeds the legal maximum set by state law. The limits on usury can vary based on the type of lender and loan, and federal laws sometimes override these state limits under specific conditions.
Utilitarianism
A teleological theory of ethics emphasizing that decisions should be made based on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Utility
A utility refers to two primary concepts: essential services required for building operation (like water and electricity) and specialized computer software that aids in system management and performance optimization.
Utility Easement
A utility easement is a legal agreement that allows utility companies to use a portion of a property for the purpose of laying and maintaining infrastructure such as gas, electric, water, and sewer lines.
Utility Possibility Frontier (UPF)
The Utility Possibility Frontier (UPF) is a curve on a graph that illustrates the maximum utility levels that two different consumers can achieve given a fixed amount of resources and technology, highlighting the trade-offs in redistributing resources.
Vacant Property
Vacant property refers to real estate that is currently unoccupied and not being used, whether it is residential, commercial, or industrial. Such properties can present unique challenges and opportunities for owners and managers.

Accounting Terms Lexicon

Discover comprehensive accounting definitions and practical insights. Empowering students and professionals with clear and concise explanations for a better understanding of financial terms.