employment

/ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/
nounIntermediate
formal

the state of having paid work or a job

The government aims to reduce unemployment by creating more employment opportunities.

The government wants to lower joblessness by offering more jobs.

💡

Employment typically refers to formal, paid work, but can also include informal or self-employment.

Collocations

gain employmentto find a jobsecure employmentto obtain a jobstable employmenta steady job

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

employment ratephrase
the percentage of people in a population who are employed
employment contractphrase
a legal agreement between an employer and employee

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal

Employment can refer to both formal jobs and informal work arrangements, such as freelancing or gig work.

Gold Rule

Economic Context

In economic discussions, employment is often contrasted with unemployment to measure labor market health.

📖Word Origin

From Middle French 'emploiement', from 'employer' (to use, employ), from Old French 'emploier', from Latin 'implicare' (to involve).

📝Usage Notes

Employment can refer to both formal and informal work arrangements. It is often used in economic and labor market discussions.

Word Breakdown

employ
to use or engage someone for work
root
+
-ment
the state or condition of
suffix
English Dictionary