Working Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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working
[ˈwərkɪŋ ]
Definitions
at the office
The action of doing work; employment.
Synonyms
employment, job, labor, occupation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| working |
General term used to describe the act of performing tasks, duties, or job responsibilities. Suitable for broad discussions about being engaged in productive activities.
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| employment |
Formal term often used to describe someone being hired for a job or the state of having a job. Also appropriate in legal or business contexts.
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| labor |
Used to refer to physical work, often manual and demanding. Can have a more formal or technical connotation, particularly in economic or policy discussions.
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| job |
Common and informal term to describe a specific position or role where one performs tasks in exchange for money.
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| occupation |
A formal term used to describe the type of work or profession someone is involved in, often used in official or academic language.
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Examples of usage
- She was hard at work in her office.
- His working hours are from 9 to 5.
functioning
The manner in which something operates or functions.
Synonyms
action, functioning, operation, performance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| working |
Used to describe the state of being employed or the mechanism of how something operates.
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| operation |
Describes the process or state of functioning, often used in technical, medical, or business contexts.
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| functioning |
Refers to how something is operating, often used in technical or mechanical contexts to describe whether something is working properly.
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| performance |
Refers to how well something is done or how effectively something operates, often used in contexts like work, show business, or technical efficiency.
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| action |
Describes something being done or the process of doing something, often used in dynamic and intentional contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The working of the machine was flawless.
- The working of his mind is still a mystery.
suitable for work
Engaged in or intended for work.
Synonyms
efficient, hard-working, industrious, productive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| working |
General term to describe being engaged in an activity or job. Suitable in most situations without any specific nuance or emphasis.
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| industrious |
A more formal or literary way of describing someone who is diligent and hardworking. Suitable in contexts that require a more sophisticated tone.
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| hard-working |
Describes someone who puts in a lot of effort and dedication into their tasks. Often used to praise someone's diligence.
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| productive |
Implies not just hard work, but also significant achievements and outcomes. Often used in professional environments where results are important.
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| efficient |
Implies doing a job quickly and with the least waste of time and effort. Suitable in professional or technical contexts where effectiveness is highlighted.
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Examples of usage
- He put on his working clothes.
- The working environment was very productive.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures celebrate labor through festivals, like Labor Day in the U.S. and International Workers' Day worldwide.
- In literature and music, themes of working often explore struggles and triumphs, highlighting the human experience.
- Different societies define the value of work in various ways, with some emphasizing job satisfaction over monetary rewards.
Psychology
- Studies have shown that feeling fulfilled in work can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.
- Work-related stress can impact mental health, emphasizing the importance of balance and self-care.
- The concept of 'flow', when a person is fully engaged in their task, is essential for productivity and enjoyment in work.
Technology
- Remote working has become common, allowing people to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Automation and AI are transforming traditional work roles, leading to discussions about the future of jobs.
- The rise of gig economy platforms has changed how people approach work, shifting towards more flexible employment.
Education
- Hands-on learning often emphasizes real-world working experiences to prepare students for the job market.
- Project-based learning encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, reflecting actual work environments.
- Vocational education focuses on teaching specific skills for particular jobs, ensuring students are ready to enter the workforce.
Origin of 'working'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'wyrcan', meaning 'to work or produce'.
- In Middle English, it evolved to 'worken', closely resembling the modern form.
- It has roots in various Germanic languages, showing a long history of human labor.
The word 'working' originated from the Old English word 'weorcian', meaning 'to work'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the action of doing work, functioning, or being suitable for work. Over time, 'working' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to employment, operation, and productivity.
See also: coworker, coworkers, hardworking, overwork, rework, reworking, unworkability, unworkable, work, workability, workable, workableness, workaholic, workaround, workbench, worker, workers, workforce, worklessness, workload, workmanship, workmates, workmen, workout, workplace, works, workshop, workstation, worktable, worktop, workwear, workweek.