Vacancy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vacancy

[ˈveɪkənsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

job opening

A vacancy refers to a job position that is available for someone to fill. It indicates that there is a position within a company or organization that needs to be occupied by a suitable candidate.

Synonyms

job opening, opening, opportunity, position.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vacancy

Often used in formal contexts, particularly in advertisements or official notices to indicate an available position. It can also refer to an available accommodation or space.

  • The company has a vacancy for a software engineer.
  • We have no vacancies tonight; the hotel is fully booked.
job opening

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate a new or unfilled job at a company or organization.

  • There's a job opening in the marketing department.
  • Keep an eye on the website for new job openings.
position

A neutral term used in both formal and informal settings to refer to a specific role within an organization. It can also refer to someone's stance or place in various contexts.

  • He was offered a position as an accountant.
  • Her position on environmental issues is well-known.
opening

Used broadly to refer to any available position or opportunity, not necessarily limited to jobs. It can also refer to gaps or breaks in time or space.

  • We have an opening for a part-time cashier.
  • Do you have any openings in your schedule this week?
opportunity

Focuses on the potential for growth, advancement, or experience. It is a positive term often used to describe favorable conditions or chances.

  • This job could be a great opportunity for your career.
  • She saw this as an opportunity to learn new skills.

Examples of usage

  • There is a vacancy for a marketing manager at our company.
  • The company has announced vacancies for various positions.
Context #2 | Noun

empty space

Vacancy can also refer to an empty space or a void, especially in a physical location. It indicates the absence of something that should be present.

Synonyms

empty space, vacant space, void.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vacancy

Used mainly in the context of job openings or available rooms in hotels.

  • There is a vacancy for a software developer at the company
  • The hotel has a vacancy for the weekend
empty space

Used to describe a physical area that is unoccupied or not filled with anything.

  • The room had a lot of empty space after they removed the furniture
  • She found an empty space in the parking lot
void

Used to describe an absence of something or a large empty area, often with a sense of emptiness or a negative connotation.

  • The death of her father left a void in her life
  • The spacecraft ventured into the vast void of outer space
vacant space

Similar to 'empty space' but often implies a space that could be used for something, like an office or apartment.

  • They are planning to build a new restaurant in the vacant space on Main Street
  • The office had several vacant spaces due to remote work

Examples of usage

  • The vacant lot was overgrown with weeds.
  • The vacancy in the parking lot was noticeable.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Real Estate

  • In property leasing, a vacancy refers to unoccupied rental units that landlords aim to fill to maintain income.
  • Vacancy rates can influence housing prices; a high vacancy rate may lead to lower rents, while a low rate could drive prices up.
  • Real estate agents often track vacancy trends to advise clients on investment properties.

Psychology

  • The feeling of vacancy can also relate to emotional states, where individuals may experience a sense of emptiness or lack.
  • In psychological terms, a 'vacant mind' refers to a state of not thinking or being distracted, which some may find calming.
  • Artists and writers sometimes embrace feelings of vacancy to inspire creativity, finding ways to express emptiness through their work.

Culture

  • Vacancy is a common theme in literature and films, often symbolizing transitions or the search for fulfillment.
  • In certain cultures, finding a vacancy may signify opportunity or change, especially during relocations or life transformations.
  • The idea of empty spaces in urban environments has sparked discussions about city planning and community revitalization.

Workplace

  • In business environments, a vacancy can refer to open positions that companies are eager to fill with new talent.
  • HR practices emphasize swift filling of vacancies to maintain productivity and team morale.
  • Job boards and recruitment agencies specialize in listing vacancies across various industries, aiding job seekers.

Origin of 'vacancy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'vacantia', meaning 'emptiness' or 'being vacant'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially relating to unoccupied positions or roles.
  • Over time, its use expanded to include physical spaces like rooms or jobs that are available.

The word 'vacancy' originated from the Latin word 'vacantia', meaning 'emptiness' or 'void'. It has been used in the English language since the 16th century to denote both job openings and empty spaces. Over time, 'vacancy' has become a common term in recruitment and real estate sectors to describe available job positions and unoccupied spaces.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,656 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.