Workers: meaning, definitions and examples

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workers

[ˈwəːkəz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a factory

Individuals who are employed to perform a specific task or job within a factory or industrial setting. Workers may be involved in tasks such as assembly, manufacturing, or packaging.

Synonyms

employees, laborers, staff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
workers	This term is often used in general contexts to refer to people who perform tasks or duties, particularly physical or manual tasks. The construction workers have been working overtime to complete the building. Factory workers often have long shifts.
employees	This word is commonly used in formal or professional settings to refer to people who are hired by a company or organization and receive a salary in return for their work. All the employees are required to attend the monthly meeting. The company provides health insurance for its employees.
laborers	This term usually refers to people who do manual work, especially hard physical work. It may have a slightly different connotation depending on the context, often used for work that is low-paid or unskilled. Day laborers gathered at the entrance of the construction site. The field laborers worked from dawn till dusk.
staff	This term is used to collectively refer to all employees within an organization, especially in a formal manner. It can be used in various professional settings. The hospital staff includes doctors, nurses, and support personnel. Our staff is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service.

Examples of usage

The workers on the production line work tirelessly to meet the daily quotas.
The factory workers are responsible for ensuring that the products meet quality standards.
Skilled workers are in high demand in the manufacturing industry.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

People who are employed in various industries and sectors to carry out tasks and responsibilities in exchange for a wage or salary. Workers contribute to the production of goods and services.

Synonyms

employees, labor force, workforce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
workers	Used to refer to individuals who are engaged in manual labor or low-skill jobs. It is a broad term that can apply to all types of work but is often used specifically for blue-collar jobs. The construction workers started their shift early in the morning. Factory workers often have to work in challenging conditions.
employees	Used to refer to individuals who are hired and receive wages or salary for their work. This term is more formal and is commonly used in corporate or office environments. The company plans to provide health benefits to all of its employees. Employees are expected to attend the mandatory training session.
labor force	Refers to the total number of people who are employed or are actively seeking employment. This term is used in economic and sociological contexts and refers to a group rather than individuals. The size of the labor force increased significantly last year. Economic policies can have a direct impact on the labor force.
workforce	Similar to 'labor force,' but typically used to refer to the collective group of workers within a specific organization, industry, or geographic region. The company is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. The local workforce has the skills necessary for high-tech manufacturing.

Examples of usage

The construction workers are working on building a new skyscraper in the city center.
Office workers spend most of their day at a desk working on computers.
The essential workers continued to provide services during the pandemic.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

Marxist theory

In Marxist theory, the working class who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor power to capitalists in order to survive. Workers are seen as exploited by the capitalist system.

Synonyms

laborers, proletariat, working class.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
workers	General term used to describe people who perform tasks, usually for wages. Can be used in most contexts without specific negative or positive connotations. The factory is hiring more workers to meet the increased demand. Healthcare workers are essential during the pandemic.
proletariat	Used in political or sociological discussions to describe the working-class people, especially in the context of Marxist theory. It can have a historical or revolutionary connotation. The literature of the time often discusses the struggles of the proletariat against the bourgeoisie. In Marxist theory, the proletariat is destined to overthrow the capitalist system.
laborers	Typically refers to people doing physical or manual work, often in construction, agriculture, or similar fields. Can imply lower skilled work. The construction site requires more laborers to finish the project on time. Farm laborers worked long hours during the planting season.
working class	Refers to the broader social class made up of people who work for wages, typically in manual or industrial work. Often used in socioeconomic discussions. The political candidate focused on issues important to the working-class voters. Housing prices are becoming unaffordable for the working class.

Examples of usage

The workers are increasingly aware of their exploitation and are seeking to organize for better working conditions.
Marxist ideology focuses on the struggle between the workers and the ruling class.
The workers will eventually rise up and overthrow the capitalist regime.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of workers has existed since ancient civilizations, where tasks were divided among members of the community.
In the Industrial Revolution, the term became more prominent as many people moved to cities to work in factories.
The labor movement in the 19th and 20th centuries sought better rights and conditions for workers, leading to significant changes in labor laws.

Economics

Workers contribute to the economy by providing goods and services, which are measured in a nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The availability and skills of workers can directly influence a country's economic growth.
Labor markets are affected by factors such as education, training, and technology, shaping the demand for various types of workers.

Culture

In many societies, workers are celebrated on Labor Day, a holiday dedicated to recognizing their contributions.
Literature and art often portray the struggles and triumphs of workers, influencing public perception and policy.
Cultural attitudes towards workers vary globally, with some regions valuing labor more than others based on historical contexts.

Technology

The rise of automation and artificial intelligence is changing the nature of work, leading to discussions about the future of workers.
Remote work has become more common due to technology, allowing workers to perform their jobs from anywhere.
Gig economy platforms have transformed traditional employment by offering flexible work opportunities but also raising concerns about job security.

Psychology

Job satisfaction is strongly linked to the mental well-being of workers, impacting productivity and overall happiness.
Studies have shown that recognizing and valuing workers leads to better performance and morale.
Work-related stress can affect health; hence, creating supportive environments is vital for workers' welfare.

Translations

Translations of the word "workers" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trabalhadores

🇮🇳 कर्मचारी

🇩🇪 Arbeiter

🇮🇩 pekerja

🇺🇦 працівники

🇵🇱 pracownicy

🇯🇵 労働者

🇫🇷 travailleurs

🇪🇸 trabajadores

🇹🇷 işçiler

🇰🇷 노동자

🇸🇦 عمال

🇨🇿 pracovníci

🇸🇰 pracovníci

🇨🇳 工人

🇸🇮 delavci

🇮🇸 verkamenn

🇰🇿 жұмысшылар

🇬🇪 მუშები

🇦🇿 işçilər

🇲🇽 trabajadores

Word Frequency Rank

At #622 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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619 seemed
620 direction
621 equal
622 workers
623 duty
624 understand
625 final
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