career
noun (countable)
UK/kəˈrɪə(r)/US/kəˈrɪr/
An occupation or profession undertaken for a significant period of a person's life, often with opportunities for progress and personal growth.
Example Sentences
She chose a career in engineering due to her passion for building innovative solutions.
A successful career often requires ongoing education and self-improvement.
He decided to shift his career from finance to teaching, hoping to find more fulfillment in his work.
Her musical career spanned three decades, filled with chart-topping hits and sold-out global tours.
He realized that a truly satisfying career is about more than money; it also brings personal growth and purpose.
She navigated multiple roles throughout her career, acquiring new skills and building valuable relationships.
Over the years, his career evolved from an entry-level position to a senior leadership role, highlighting his ability to adapt and excel in changing business environments.
A well-planned career path can keep individuals motivated, foster specialized expertise, and lead to both professional success and personal satisfaction throughout their working life.
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Antonyms
verb (intransitive)
UK/kəˈrɪə(r)/US/kəˈrɪr/
To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way (chiefly British usage).
Example Sentences
The car careered off the road during the heavy downpour.
She watched the skateboarder career down the hill, barely maintaining control.
The children careered around the yard, laughing and chasing one another.
Due to the icy conditions, the bus began to career on the slippery street.
The truck careered sideways when its driver slammed on the brakes.
The rollercoaster careered along the tracks, thrilling everyone on board.
Surprised by a sudden gust of wind, the sailboat careered across the lake, tilting dangerously but staying afloat while onlookers held their breath.
With each twist and turn, the sled seemed to career along the icy chute, narrowly avoiding the steep banks in a heart-pounding exhibition of speed.
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Synonyms
How to Use
An individual's long-term professional path or occupation.This term is used as a noun, typically referring to a person’s overall journey in a chosen professional or occupational field. You might say, “She’s pursuing a career in marketing,” or “He switched careers to find more fulfillment.” Often, it encompasses not only the specific job one holds at any moment but also the progression or trajectory over time. Whether it’s an accountant climbing the ranks in a firm, a teacher moving into administration, or an entrepreneur creating multiple ventures, the concept conveys a long-term commitment, specialization, and development of expertise. In everyday speech or writing, you can use this word to describe someone’s professional identity (“He’s dedicated his career to public service”) or to highlight a turning point (“Changing careers was a tough but rewarding decision”). People also talk about “career goals,” “career shifts,” or “career growth,” focusing on aspirations and forward momentum. Whether at a job interview or chatting with friends, the term helps distinguish casual work from something that’s deeply tied to long-term objectives, personal growth, and professional identity. When using it, consider whether you’re referencing a single role or an unfolding journey—this distinction can help clarify your point about professional direction or progression.
Alternatives
When looking for alternatives or synonymous expressions, you might say “profession,” “occupation,” or “vocation,” each bearing its own nuance. “Profession” often implies specialized training or qualifications (think doctors, lawyers, or architects). “Occupation” feels a bit broader and can apply to any job or livelihood without necessarily implying a grand pathway. “Vocation” suggests a calling or passion that guides someone to a specific line of work, frequently used in contexts like teaching, nursing, or religious service. If you want to emphasize the developmental aspect, consider “professional path” or “work trajectory,” which highlight growth and evolution over time. For shorter stints or side jobs, “gig” or “position” might fit better if the role is less permanent. Meanwhile, “line of work” suits casual conversation: “What line of work are you in?” Keep in mind the tone—formal, informal, or somewhere in between—and the timeline you wish to convey. Using “professional journey” or “long-term occupational path” can capture the sense of momentum that separates someone’s fleeting job from a larger, purposeful direction. By choosing the right term, you communicate not only the nature of the work but also the level of commitment, expertise, and personal fulfillment it involves.
Writing
When writing about this topic, focus on how it represents a progression of roles, responsibilities, and goals over time. In a personal essay or biography, detailing someone’s journey from an entry-level position to a leadership role can illustrate both professional achievements and personal development. In a more formal or academic context—like a research paper on workforce trends—you might examine broader patterns, such as how people change fields throughout their working lives or how economic shifts influence entire occupational sectors. Clarity is essential: specify whether you’re referring to a singular role, a series of positions in one industry, or a winding path across multiple industries. To create a compelling narrative, consider the motivations, challenges, and turning points along the way. For instance, describing how someone retooled their skillset or overcame obstacles can bring depth to their story. Also, be mindful of the distinction between a job and a long-term path. “Career” implies a broader storyline that transcends day-to-day tasks, encompassing ambition, identity, and growth. Vary your language to maintain interest: use synonyms like “professional trajectory” or “line of work” while keeping your focus on how an individual’s choices, opportunities, and aspirations shape their evolving professional identity.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, this term often crops up when people discuss job satisfaction, future plans, or life changes. You might casually ask a friend, “How’s your career going?” or “Are you thinking of a career switch?” It can also pop up in advice: “If you’re bored, maybe it’s time to explore a different career.” The word draws attention to the bigger picture beyond a single paycheck or task—usually implying long-term growth, personal passion, or ambition. Friends might mention taking online courses to advance their career, or switching from a corporate role to something more flexible. People even joke about needing a “career makeover” when stuck in a rut. Since it’s versatile, keep context in mind—if you’re just talking about a part-time job to earn extra cash, you might not call it a career. However, if you’re describing someone’s major life pursuit, it’s a natural fit. In casual chats, feel free to use phrases like “work path,” “professional life,” or “job journey” to spice things up. Most importantly, keep it relaxed and personal, reflecting the typical ups and downs of daily work-life experience. Whether encouraging a friend or complaining about a boss, remember that “career” references something more enduring and growth-oriented than a simple gig.
Etymology
The term “career” has its roots in the medieval French word “carriere,” meaning “road” or “racecourse,” which itself stemmed from the Late Latin “cararia,” signifying “carriage road.” Originally, the concept evoked the image of running a race or proceeding along a determined path. In English, the word began to evolve during the 16th and 17th centuries, often referring to swift, continuous motion—like a horse galloping at full speed. By the 19th century, it took on the modern sense of a person’s professional or occupational journey, marking a life-long progression rather than a mere, fleeting sprint. This shift mirrored social and economic transformations, as industrialization opened up new possibilities for work over extended spans of time. Today, the racecourse metaphor lingers in our notion of “racing forward” in one’s field or “climbing the career ladder.” Despite the shift from literal roads to metaphorical pathways, the core idea remains the same: moving along a trajectory that shapes identity, purpose, and success in the realm of work.