Working: meaning, definitions and examples

General term used to describe the act of performing tasks, duties, or job responsibilities. Suitable for broad discussions about being engaged in productive activities.

• She is currently working on a new project
• Working from home has become more common

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.

• He is seeking employment in the tech industry
• The company offers stable employment opportunities

Used to refer to physical work, often manual and demanding. Can have a more formal or technical connotation, particularly in economic or policy discussions.

• The construction workers are engaged in heavy labor
• Labor laws are designed to protect workers' rights

Common and informal term to describe a specific position or role where one performs tasks in exchange for money.

• He got a new job at the local cafe
• She loves her job as a teacher

A formal term used to describe the type of work or profession someone is involved in, often used in official or academic language.

• Her occupation is in the field of medicine
• What is your occupation according to the census?

Used to describe the state of being employed or the mechanism of how something operates.

• She is currently working as a teacher
• The machine is still working despite its age

Describes the process or state of functioning, often used in technical, medical, or business contexts.

• The operation of the new system will begin next week
• He had a heart operation last year

Refers to how something is operating, often used in technical or mechanical contexts to describe whether something is working properly.

• The new software is finally functioning as expected
• The car's engine is not functioning correctly

Refers to how well something is done or how effectively something operates, often used in contexts like work, show business, or technical efficiency.

• The performance of the new employee exceeded expectations
• Her performance in the play was outstanding

Describes something being done or the process of doing something, often used in dynamic and intentional contexts.

• The police took action to stop the crime
• Her swift action saved the company from bankruptcy

General term to describe being engaged in an activity or job. Suitable in most situations without any specific nuance or emphasis.

• She is working on her project.
• I have been working all day.

A more formal or literary way of describing someone who is diligent and hardworking. Suitable in contexts that require a more sophisticated tone.

• She is an industrious employee who never misses a deadline.
• The industrious nature of the community has led to its prosperity.

Describes someone who puts in a lot of effort and dedication into their tasks. Often used to praise someone's diligence.

• He is a hard-working student.
• The team is known for their hard-working attitude.

Implies not just hard work, but also significant achievements and outcomes. Often used in professional environments where results are important.

• We had a very productive meeting.
• His productive efforts led to the project's success.

Implies doing a job quickly and with the least waste of time and effort. Suitable in professional or technical contexts where effectiveness is highlighted.

• The new software makes our operations more efficient.
• She is an efficient manager who meets all deadlines.