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customer service
/ˈkʌs.tə.mɚ ˈsɝː.vɪs/
assistance to customers
The company prides itself on excellent customer service.
The company is proud of how well it helps its customers.
Business
formal
The assistance and support provided by a company to customers before, during, and after a purchase.
Our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
Our support staff works around the clock to help customers.
The store received complaints about poor customer service.
Customers were unhappy with how they were treated by the staff.
Often abbreviated as 'CS' in business contexts.
Collocations
excellent customer servicevery high-quality supportpoor customer servicebad or inadequate supportcustomer service representativea person who helps customerscustomer service departmentthe team responsible for support
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'customer service' as a verb (e.g., 'We customer service our clients'). Instead, use 'provide customer service' or 'assist customers'.
Gold Rule
Professional Tone
In formal writing, 'customer service' is preferred over casual terms like 'helping customers' when referring to the department or function.
Word Origin
The term combines 'customer' (from Latin 'consuere', meaning 'to accustom') and 'service' (from Latin 'servitium', meaning 'slavery or servitude'). The phrase emerged in the early 20th century as businesses began prioritizing client relationships.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in retail, hospitality, and corporate settings. May refer to the department, the quality of assistance, or the act itself.
Word Breakdown
customer
a person who buys goods or services
nounservice
assistance or work done for others
nounEnglish Dictionary