Shifts: meaning, definitions and examples

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shifts

 

[ สƒษชfts ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

work schedule

The regular hours of work for which an employee is paid, typically eight in a day and forty in a week.

Synonyms

work schedule, working hours.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shifts

Typically refers to the specific periods of time that employees are scheduled to work, especially in jobs that require 24-hour coverage or have multiple teams working at different times.

  • He works the night shifts at the hospital.
  • I have back-to-back shifts this weekend.
work schedule

Describes the overall plan for working hours and days for an employee or job position, often detailing specific tasks or projects.

  • My work schedule for next week is packed with meetings.
  • She asked her manager if she could adjust her work schedule.
working hours

Refers to the total period of time during which someone is expected to work, often used to describe regular hours for a job or a business.

  • The working hours for this position are from 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • Due to the project deadline, our working hours have been extended.

Examples of usage

  • She works the morning shift at the hospital.
  • I have to cover the night shift this week.
Context #2 | Verb

change position

To move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.

Synonyms

move, relocate, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shifts

This word has multiple meanings, including changes in position or focus, as well as periods of work. It is often used in contexts involving changes or variations.

  • The project shifted direction after the meeting.
  • She works on the night shift at the hospital.
move

Typically used when referring to changing one's residence or position. It can also imply a change in state or condition.

  • We decided to move to a bigger house.
  • She moved her chair closer to the table.
transfer

Generally used in formal or official contexts when referring to moving from one place or role to another within an organization, system, or group.

  • He was transferred to a different department.
  • The student requested a transfer to another university.
relocate

Often used in formal or business contexts when referring to a person or entity moving to a new location, especially over a long distance.

  • The company is planning to relocate its headquarters to Berlin.
  • After the job offer, we decided to relocate to New York.

Examples of usage

  • He shifted the boxes to the other side of the room.
  • The wind shifted direction suddenly.

Translations

Translations of the word "shifts" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น turnos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคพเคฒเคฟเคฏเคพเค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schichten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ giliran

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะผั–ะฝะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zmiany

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒ•ใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท postes

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ turnos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท vardiyalar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ต๋Œ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ูˆุจุงุช ุงู„ุนู…ู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ smฤ›ny

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zmeny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ญๆฌก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ izmene

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vaktir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัƒั‹ัั‹ะผะดะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒชแƒ•แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nรถvbษ™lษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ turnos

Etymology

The word 'shifts' originated from the Old English word 'sciftan', meaning 'to arrange, divide'. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to changing positions, schedules, or conditions. The concept of shifts in work schedules became prevalent during the industrial revolution when factories operated round the clock. Today, 'shifts' continue to be an integral part of many industries, ensuring continuous operation and productivity.

See also: shift, shiftiness, shifting, shiftingly, shifty.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,718, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.