Pronunciation: [wɒz ɪn bˈɪznəs] (IPA) 
The phrase "was in business" is spelled /wʌz ɪn ˈbɪznəs/. The first word, "was," is pronounced with the short "u" sound followed by the "z" sound. "In" is pronounced with the short "i" sound and a mild nasal sound at the end. "Business" has a longer "i" sound in the middle and is pronounced with a strong "z" sound at the end. The phrase means that someone previously owned or operated a business but is no longer doing so.
"Was in business" is a phrase used to describe the past state or activity of being engaged in commercial or professional activities with the intent to make a profit. It suggests that a particular individual, company, or organization was actively involved in the operation and management of a business enterprise at a previous point in time.
This expression indicates that the subject had successfully established and conducted business operations, implying they had engaged in various commercial activities such as producing, selling, or providing goods or services to customers or clients. It suggests that the venture was operating efficiently and generating income, implicitly indicating a level of success or profitability.
The phrase can be applied to any form of business, including solo entrepreneurship, small-scale enterprises, larger companies, or even multinational corporations. The timeframe in which someone or an entity "was in business" may vary widely, ranging from a few years to several decades.
When someone states that they "are no longer in business," it means that their commercial operations have either been terminated, discontinued due to financial challenges, or transitioned to a different model or industry. Overall, "was in business" is a retrospective phrase used to describe the previous involvement of an individual, company, or organization in successful commercial activities.
