Occupations: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for any work or activity that keeps a person busy. Used broadly without specific focus on career or professional elements.

• He has had several occupations throughout his life.
• Her favorite occupations include gardening and painting.

Refers to an occupation requiring specialized education and training, often associated with a code of ethics.

• Law is considered a highly respected profession.
• He has been practicing his profession as an architect for twenty years.

Casual or specific term for a position of work, usually referring to something more short-term or less formal than a career.

• She got a job at the coffee shop.
• I'm looking for a job to earn some extra money.

Refers to the state of having paid work, or the act of giving someone paid work; focuses on the economic aspect.

• He found employment at a local factory.
• The company offered her full-time employment.

Denotes a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation, often implying a sense of calling or purpose.

• Teaching is not just a job for her, it's a vocation.
• He felt a vocation to join the clergy.

Refers to a long-term professional journey, often with growth and advancement in a specific field.

• She has built a successful career in marketing.
• After years of study, he is now ready to start his career as a doctor.

This word generally refers to the control of a place by a foreign military presence. It can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context.

• The city was under occupation for several years during the war.
• The peaceful occupation of the territory was seen as a necessity.

This term implies a sudden or forceful taking of something, often by legal or illegal means. It can have a negative connotation when referring to unlawful actions.

• The seizure of the company's assets was contested in court.
• During the raid, the police conducted a seizure of all illegal substances.

This word is commonly used in business contexts to describe the acquisition of one company by another. It can also be used in broader contexts to describe gaining control.

• The hostile takeover of the company led to major changes in its management.
• The club's takeover by the new owners brought fresh investment.

This is the formal act of acquiring territory by a state and incorporating it into its own territory. Often used in legal and political contexts.

• The annexation of the small island was met with international condemnation.
• The government's decision to proceed with the annexation sparked widespread protests.

This refers to the act of defeating and taking control of an area or country, typically by military force. It often has a historical or dramatic tone.

• The conquest of Gaul by the Roman Empire is a well-documented event.
• He dreamed of conquest and envisioned his army sweeping across the land.