Professions: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to jobs that require special training or formal education, often implying prestige and recognition.

• Medicine and law are considered highly respected professions.
• Teaching is a noble profession that shapes the minds of future generations.

Refers to any job or type of work that people do to earn a living, regardless of requiring special skills or education.

• His occupation as a janitor might not be glamorous, but it is essential.
• There are many occupations in the tech industry to choose from.

Used when discussing the long-term development and progress within a specific field of work, including various job roles and achievements.

• She is building a successful career in marketing.
• After retiring from the military, he began a second career in law enforcement.

Often used to describe jobs that people feel a strong calling or passion for, sometimes with a religious or spiritual connotation.

• For many, nursing is not just a job but a vocation driven by a desire to help others.
• He followed his vocation to become a priest and serve his community.