Worker: meaning, definitions and examples

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worker

[ˈwəːkər ]

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?

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?

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. She’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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "worker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trabalhador

🇮🇳 कामगार

🇩🇪 Arbeiter

🇮🇩 pekerja

🇺🇦 працівник

🇵🇱 pracownik

🇯🇵 労働者 (ろうどうしゃ)

🇫🇷 travailleur

🇪🇸 trabajador

🇹🇷 işçi

🇰🇷 근로자 (geunroja)

🇸🇦 عامل (aamil)

🇨🇿 pracovník

🇸🇰 pracovník

🇨🇳 工人 (gōngrén)

🇸🇮 delavec

🇮🇸 starfsmaður

🇰🇿 жұмысшы

🇬🇪 მუშაკი (mushaki)

🇦🇿 işçi

🇲🇽 trabajador

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.

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2445 prepare
2446 impression
2447 supporting
2448 worker
2449 afraid
2450 treaty
2451 smooth
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