A business that does not survive the death of its owner is called a/an _____.

A business that does not survive the death of its owner is classified as a sole proprietorship. This type of business structure is characterized by having a single individual who owns and operates the business. The key aspect of a sole proprietorship is that it is inseparable from its owner; when the owner dies, the business ceases to exist unless there is a specific succession plan in place.

In contrast, the other business structures mentioned, such as partnerships, C corporations, and limited liability companies (LLCs), have different characteristics that allow them to continue operating independently of their owners or members. For example, partnerships can often survive the departure or death of one partner depending on the terms of the partnership agreement. C corporations and LLCs are considered separate legal entities, which means they can continue to exist regardless of changes in ownership due to the death of a shareholder or member. These distinctions highlight why a sole proprietorship is the correct answer, as it is the only structure that does not allow for continuation after the owner's death.