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Coworker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coworker

[ˈkəʊwɜːrkər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

workplace

A person with whom one works, typically someone at a similar level within an organization.

Synonyms

associate, colleague, fellow worker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coworker

This word is commonly used in North America to refer to someone you work with, regardless of hierarchy or relationship. It carries a neutral tone.

  • She is my coworker at the marketing department.
  • I have dinner with my coworkers every Friday.
colleague

This word is widely used in British English and in professional, academic, or corporate environments to refer to people with whom you work. It often suggests a respectful professional relationship.

  • She is a respected colleague in our law firm.
  • My colleagues supported my decision.
associate

This term is often used in a more formal business setting. It can imply a professional relationship, sometimes on a more equal or partnership level.

  • He is my business associate.
  • We need an associate for the new project.
fellow worker

This term is less common and somewhat informal, mainly used to emphasize camaraderie or shared work experience. It can sometimes sound old-fashioned.

  • We need to help our fellow workers.
  • He is a trusted fellow worker in the factory.

Examples of usage

  • He's my coworker at the office.
  • My coworker and I are collaborating on a project.
  • We get along well with our coworkers.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who works with you, especially in a supportive role.

Synonyms

assistant, collaborator, partner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coworker

Refers to someone who works alongside you, typically within the same company or organization. This term is neutral and commonly used in professional settings.

  • My coworker helped me finish the project before the deadline.
  • We have a meeting with our coworkers to discuss the new policy.
partner

Indicates a person or organization that you are in a formal or informal partnership with, often implying an equal stake in a venture or project. The term can be used in business, personal, or romantic contexts.

  • She is my business partner, and we manage the company together.
  • Our partners in this venture have contributed significantly to its success.
collaborator

Refers to someone you work jointly with on a particular project or task. This term emphasizes mutual participation and contribution. It is often used in creative, academic, or research contexts.

  • Our collaborator from the university provided valuable insights into our study.
  • He is a trusted collaborator on many of our design projects.
assistant

Used for someone who provides support to a superior, performing tasks that are often administrative in nature. It often implies a hierarchical relationship.

  • My assistant scheduled all my appointments for the week.
  • I asked my assistant to prepare the report for the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • My coworker helped me figure out the problem.
  • I appreciate having a reliable coworker.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Workplace Dynamics

  • Studies show that positive relationships with coworkers can increase job satisfaction and productivity.
  • Effective teamwork often relies on the shared projects of coworkers, which can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, coworkers share not just tasks but also personal development, often celebrating milestones like birthdays or project completions together.
  • Different cultures have unique approaches to workplace relationships, influencing how coworkers interact, such as Japan's emphasis on group harmony.

Technology and Remote Work

  • With the rise of remote work, coworkers can now connect through virtual platforms, reshaping how teams communicate and collaborate.
  • Coworking spaces have emerged, allowing freelancers and remote workers to share an office environment, fostering a community atmosphere among coworkers.

Psychological Aspects

  • Having supportive coworkers can lead to lower stress levels and improve mental health by creating a sense of belonging at work.
  • The phenomenon of 'social loafing' occurs when employees work in groups, where individuals may exert less effort, emphasizing the importance of active engagement among coworkers.

Origin of 'coworker'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'coworker' combines 'co-' meaning together, and 'worker', highlighting collaboration in a work environment.
  • The word started gaining popularity in the mid-20th century as the workforce diversified and workplaces became more collaborative.

The term 'coworker' originated in the mid-20th century as a combination of 'co-' (meaning 'together') and 'worker'. It reflects the collaborative nature of modern workplaces where individuals work together towards common goals. The concept of coworkers emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving success in a professional environment.

See also: coworkers, hardworking, overwork, rework, reworking, unworkability, unworkable, work, workability, workable, workableness, workaholic, workaround, workbench, worker, workers, workforce, working, worklessness, workload, workmanship, workmates, workmen, workout, workplace, works, workshop, workstation, worktable, worktop, workwear, workweek.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,632, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.