Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Worker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ท
Add to dictionary

worker

[หˆwษ™หkษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

job

A person who works for a company or organization and performs a specific task or duty.

Synonyms

employee, laborer, staff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
worker

This word again appears as a duplication and thus the same context and examples apply as the first entry.

  • The factory worker operates the machinery efficiently.
  • The workers organized a meeting to discuss their concerns.
employee

This term is typically used in a formal or professional setting to describe someone who is employed by a company or organization.

  • All employees are required to attend the training session.
  • The company offers excellent benefits to its employees.
laborer

This word is often used to describe someone who does physical work, especially work that does not require special skills or training. It may have a slightly negative connotation depending on the context.

  • The laborers worked long hours in the scorching heat.
  • He found a job as a construction laborer.
staff

This term is used collectively to refer to all the workers or employees of a particular company or organization. It is often used in a more formal sense.

  • The staff meeting will be held in the conference room.
  • The school has a dedicated staff of teachers and administrators.

Examples of usage

  • The construction worker was busy building the new office building.
  • She is a hardworking factory worker who never misses a day of work.
Context #2 | Noun

insect

A type of ant that is specialized for a particular function within the colony, such as gathering food or defending the nest.

Synonyms

ant, bee, termite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
worker

This is a general term used to describe someone who performs a job or task, especially for wages. It can be used in any professional or informal setting to talk about people doing various types of work.

  • The workers in the factory are very efficient.
  • As a construction worker, he has to start early every morning.
ant

Used metaphorically to describe someone who works very hard, often as part of a team, and sometimes tirelessly. This comparison often highlights a person's industrious nature.

  • She works like an ant, always busy and focused on her tasks.
  • The entire team functioned like a colony of ants, each person playing their part.
bee

Also used metaphorically to describe someone who is very busy and hardworking. This term often conveys a sense of busyness and diligence.

  • Sheโ€™s a real busy bee, always staying active and productive.
  • The office was buzzing like a hive of bees, with everyone working hard to meet the deadline.
termite

This is rarely used metaphorically in a positive sense. Usually, it has a negative connotation when used to describe a person. It suggests someone who might be destructive or working secretly in a harmful manner.

  • The corrupted officials were like termites, slowly eating away at the integrity of the organization.
  • He acted like a termite, undermining the project from within.

Examples of usage

  • The worker ants were busy carrying food back to the nest.
  • The worker bee diligently collected nectar from the flowers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Throughout history, workers have been the backbone of societies, from agricultural laborers in ancient times to factory workers during the Industrial Revolution.
  • The labor movement in the 19th and 20th centuries fought for better rights, wages, and working conditions for workers.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies, like 'Norma Rae', emphasize the struggles and triumphs of workers fighting for their rights.
  • Songs such as '9 to 5' by Dolly Parton celebrate everyday workers, capturing challenges and hopes in their daily lives.

Economics

  • In economics, workers contribute to labor supply, impacting businesses and the economy by providing services and products.
  • Unemployment rates are a significant indicator of economic health, reflecting the availability of jobs for workers.

Psychology

  • Research shows that job satisfaction can significantly affect mental health, with engaged workers reporting higher happiness levels.
  • Workers often derive their identity and self-worth from their jobs, which can influence their overall life satisfaction.

Origin of 'worker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'weorc,' meaning work or effort, highlighting the task aspect of the role.
  • It has roots in Proto-Germanic, linking it to the action of doing something physically or mentally.

The word 'worker' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'weorcere', which means 'one who works'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to individuals engaged in various labor activities. The concept of workers has been central to societies throughout history, playing crucial roles in economic and social structures.

See also: coworker, coworkers, hardworking, overwork, rework, reworking, unworkability, unworkable, work, workability, workable, workableness, workaholic, workaround, workbench, workers, workforce, working, worklessness, workload, workmanship, workmates, workmen, workout, workplace, works, workshop, workstation, worktable, worktop, workwear, workweek.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,448, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.