Employment

/ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

nounBeginnerVery CommonBusiness

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The condition of being employed or having a job.

/ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

nounneutralBeginner
Business

The state of having paid work.

After years of searching, he finally found employment.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're working at your dream job! Employment is when you have a job and get paid for it. It's like being on the winning team in a work competition. You get to use your skills and talents every day and earn money for it. For example, after college, Sarah found employment at a marketing agency.

👶 For kids: Employment means having a job and getting paid to do it!

More Examples

2

The government is trying to boost employment rates.

3

She is grateful for her continued employment.

How It's Used

General

"She is seeking employment after graduating."

Business

"The company offers excellent terms of employment."

2

The act of using or making use of someone or something.

/ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

nounneutralmedium
General

The act of employing someone or something.

The employment of new strategies led to success.

💡 Simply: It's also about how you *use* things. Imagine a chef using fresh ingredients to make a delicious meal. That's the employment of those ingredients. It means using something for a specific purpose. For example, the employment of solar panels reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

👶 For kids: It can also mean using something, like using a toy to play with.

More Examples

2

The company's employment of renewable energy sources is commendable.

3

They are investigating the employment of questionable practices.

How It's Used

Legal

"The employment of child labor is illegal."

General

"The company's employment of new technologies has increased efficiency."

Tip:Think of how you would use your skills and talents in a job; employment is a way you 'employ' or utilize skills, talents, or resources.

Idioms & expressions

terms of employment

The conditions of a job, including salary, benefits, and work expectations.

"The terms of employment were clearly stated in the contract."

gainful employment

Work that provides a regular income.

"Finding gainful employment is a priority for many after graduating."

full-time employment

A job that requires working a standard number of hours per week, typically around 35-40 hours.

"He found full-time employment at a tech company."

From Middle English *employement*, from Old French *emploiement*, from *employer* ('to employ').

The word 'employment' emerged in the 14th century and initially referred to the act of putting something to use before its modern meaning became prevalent.

Memory tip

Think of the "employ" part – it means to use. Employment is the state of being used (working) by a company or person.

employementemploment

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written