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Occupation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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occupation

[ˌɒkjəˈpeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

work

A job or profession, especially one that requires special training, skill, or knowledge.

Synonyms

career, job, profession.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occupation

Use when referring to a person's main ongoing work or activity, especially in formal or official contexts. It is often used in documents or forms.

  • Her occupation is listed as a teacher on the application form.
  • What is your father's occupation?
profession

Used when referring to a type of job that requires special education, training, or skill. It often has a formal or prestigious connotation.

  • Teaching is a noble profession.
  • He is respected in the medical profession.
job

Appropriate for referring to a person's specific work or task, usually as a source of livelihood. It often implies a short-term or immediate employment situation.

  • She got a new job as a cashier.
  • He has a part-time job at the local store.
career

Suitable when talking about a person's progression or path in a specific field or job over time. It implies long-term growth and development.

  • He wants to pursue a career in medicine.
  • She has had an impressive career in law.

Examples of usage

  • He found his dream occupation as a chef in a five-star restaurant.
  • Teaching is a noble occupation that requires patience and dedication.
  • Many people choose their occupation based on their passion and interests.
Context #2 | Noun

employment

The act of occupying or the state of being occupied by military force.

Synonyms

annexation, seizure, subjugation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occupation

Use when referring to the control of a territory by foreign military forces.

  • The occupation of the country by the foreign army lasted for years
seizure

Use when talking about the forceful taking of something without consent, often momentarily or suddenly.

  • The sudden seizure of the building took everyone by surprise
annexation

Appropriate when describing the addition of a territory to a country, often formally and possibly legally.

  • The annexation of the neighboring region was ratified by the government
subjugation

Best applied in situations where a group or nation is forcibly brought under control, often involving oppression.

  • The subjugation of the indigenous people led to decades of unrest

Examples of usage

  • The country was under occupation by enemy troops for several years.
  • The liberation of the city marked the end of foreign occupation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In the past, occupations were often linked to social status, with certain jobs considered more prestigious than others.
  • The Industrial Revolution drastically changed occupations, moving many people from agriculture to factory work.
  • Many communities had specific trades associated with them, like fishing in coastal towns or farming in rural areas.

Pop Culture

  • Films and TV shows often center around characters' occupations, exploring how jobs shape their identity and relationships.
  • Popular video games like 'The Sims' allow players to choose and manage different occupations for their characters.

Psychology

  • People's jobs can significantly impact their mental health and self-esteem.
  • Studies show that job satisfaction is linked to overall happiness, as fulfilling work leads to a sense of purpose.

Economics

  • Occupations can influence the economy, with certain careers driving economic growth in tech, healthcare, and other booming industries.
  • The job market fluctuates, affecting the number and types of occupations available, as seen during economic downturns.

Origin of 'occupation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'occupation' comes from the Latin 'occupatio', which means 'taking possession'.
  • It began to be used in English around the late 14th century, originally meaning the action of taking up space or time.

The word 'occupation' originated from the Latin word 'occupatio', which means 'a seizing'. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass various aspects related to work and employment. The concept of occupation has been significant throughout history, especially in the context of military presence and control of territories. Today, 'occupation' is commonly used to refer to one's job or profession.

See also: occupancy, occupations, occupied, occupying, preoccupied, preoccupy, underoccupancy, unoccupied.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,713, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.