job
Noun
UK/dʒɒb/US/dʒɑːb/
A paid position of regular employment; a task or piece of work one undertakes for payment or as part of a duty.
Example Sentences
She started her first full-time job immediately after graduation.
He quit his job to travel the world and explore different cultures.
Finding a job that aligns with your interests can significantly boost career satisfaction.
They offered him a new job with better pay and flexible working hours.
Her primary job entails managing the company’s social media accounts and marketing campaigns.
He took on a second job to save up for a down payment on a house.
Although the job required long hours and tight deadlines, he appreciated the opportunity to develop his skills, network with seasoned professionals, and contribute to a project that genuinely excited him.
Working at a startup proved to be a demanding yet rewarding job, as responsibilities often extended beyond a single role and required constant learning, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A position or set of tasks one performs, often for pay.“Job” is a noun describing a position or set of responsibilities that a person holds, usually within a company or organization, though it can refer broadly to any work someone performs regularly. You might say, “I have a new job at the marketing agency,” or “Part of my job is to create detailed reports.” In professional contexts, “job” captures not just a formal role but also the nature of the tasks and obligations involved. It can also denote contract or freelance work: “I picked up a weekend job to earn extra income.”Beyond employment scenarios, “job” may appear in everyday idioms such as “That’s not my job,” connoting that someone feels a responsibility lies outside their duties. In casual speech, you might also hear “good job!” praising someone for a task well done. This illustrates how “job” can shift from referencing formal employment to commending an effort or outcome.When writing about occupations or careers, “job” often arises in contexts like résumés, cover letters, and interviews: “I’m interested in the project manager job listed on your website.” Alternatively, in everyday or informal contexts, it can describe routine tasks—“My job for the day is to mow the lawn.” Whether official or informal, “job” always centers on a specific task, function, or role. Its straightforward nature makes it a go-to term for describing employment situations, responsibilities, or achievements linked to one’s work. Because “job” is both versatile and universally recognized, it suits many conversations about work and duties, letting others know exactly what kind of responsibility or position is being discussed.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, there are several synonyms and related words that can stand in for “job.” For a formal position, “occupation,” “profession,” or “post” may be appropriate—these typically convey a sense of long-term or career-focused work. “Role” and “position” can be especially helpful in business or organizational settings: “She has a managerial role,” or “He’s applying for a position in sales.” Meanwhile, “employment” can function as a broader term, covering any sort of paid work under contract or arrangement.For more casual contexts, words like “gig” or “side hustle” have become popular in modern parlance, especially if the work is temporary or project-based. “Gig” often points to freelance or creative assignments, whereas “side hustle” implies extra income in addition to one’s main work. In certain industries or parts of the world, you might hear “posting,” “slot,” or “opening,” each focusing on an available or assigned set of responsibilities.If you’re discussing the nature of the tasks rather than the position itself, “task,” “duty,” “responsibility,” or “assignment” can be used instead of “job.” These terms emphasize the actions required, rather than the formal role. When describing a specialized area of expertise or skill, words like “specialty” or “field” may also work: “Her specialty is data analysis.” Ultimately, the ideal synonym depends on your tone, the level of formality, and whether you’re highlighting the type of work, the position title, or the tasks performed. By exploring alternatives, you can tailor your language to your audience, convey subtle nuances, and avoid repetitive usage of “job.”
Writing
When writing about a “job,” consider how specifically you need to describe the role, responsibilities, or setting. In a resume or cover letter, “job” might appear frequently—“I held this job for two years,” “My job responsibilities included data entry and customer service.” In such contexts, adding detail helps convey your capabilities. For instance, specifying “I managed a marketing job focused on social media outreach” gives potential employers a clearer picture. If you’re composing a narrative or fictional piece, “job” can portray a character’s daily life, motivations, or conflicts. A storyline might revolve around someone who struggles to balance their job with personal obligations. Or it might highlight an individual’s quest for a dream job, weaving in ambition, self-doubt, and milestone achievements. In creative writing, think carefully about how the character’s profession reflects their personality, challenges, and relationships.Meanwhile, in academic or analytical writing, use “job” to reference data on employment trends, labor markets, or sociological impacts of certain industries. Terms like “position,” “occupation,” or “employment” might appear interchangeably, but “job” generally remains the most direct. If the text covers multiple occupations or addresses broad labor topics, vary your language to maintain reader engagement.Additionally, remember that “job” can have figurative overtones: “It’s a tough job but someone has to do it,” or “They have a job to do in saving the environment.” These phrases speak to duty, obligation, or mission, even if there’s no formal employment arrangement. Strategically using “job” in your writing can highlight dedication, expertise, or responsibility, while synonyms and explanatory context deepen understanding of the work involved. Consistency in tone, clarity, and detail ensures that readers grasp what sort of work the word “job” signifies in each instance.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversations, “job” is often the first word that comes up when talking about work or responsibilities. You might say, “I’m looking for a new job,” or “My job is stressing me out.” It’s a natural term that quickly conveys you’re discussing a paid position or main responsibility. You can also use “job” in everyday expressions—“She did a fantastic job on that project,” or “Nice job!” to praise someone’s achievements.In more lighthearted settings, you can refer to small tasks as “jobs,” too. For instance, “I’ve got a quick job for you—could you help me move these chairs?” clarifies there’s a task to be done, even if there’s no formal employment arrangement behind it. You might also talk about a “weekend job” or “side job” to let friends know you have part-time work or extra responsibilities to earn income. In these contexts, “job” is versatile: it might mean your main source of income, or it might be a short gig you’re taking on temporarily.You’ll also hear “job” in everyday advice: “Get the job done,” meaning complete your task effectively, or “It’s not my job to fix everything,” expressing personal boundaries. Using “job” in casual speech keeps things direct and simple, instantly letting people know you’re discussing work or tasks. While you can choose alternatives like “gig” or “task,” “job” remains universally recognized and sets a straightforward tone. Its simplicity fits informal chats where people just want the essentials: who’s doing what, and how it’s going.
Etymology
The origins of the word “job” are somewhat obscure, but linguists propose that it emerged in the 16th century, possibly evolving from an older word “gob,” meaning a lump or a piece, implying small pieces of work. Another theory suggests that “job” came from the Middle English “jobbe of work,” referring to a piece of manual or routine labor. By the 17th and 18th centuries, “job” was commonly used to describe temporary or piecework tasks—activities done by tradesmen or laborers for payment. Over time, as industrialization transformed societies, “job” expanded to mean not just small tasks, but more permanent and formal positions within companies or industries. This historical shift aligned with the growing need to discuss and differentiate various types of occupations and roles. In Victorian England and the emerging economies of the United States, “job” gained momentum as a neutral term for steady employment. With the advent of modern business practices—factories, corporate offices, and service sectors—“job” became a catch-all noun for any paid position. Today, in a globalized world, the meaning of “job” has stretched even further, covering salaried roles, contract gigs, freelance work, and beyond. Despite these expansions, the essence remains the same: a “job” is a role or task done by a person, typically for compensation or recognition, rooted in centuries of evolving labor and economic frameworks.
