Job

Definition

Job is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a paid position of regular employment, a task or piece of work to be completed, or a specific duty or role. As a verb, it means to do casual or occasional work or to subcontract work to others.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dʒɑːb/
• Respelling: jahb

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dʒɒb/
• Respelling: job

Etymology

The word "job" originates from the Middle English "gobbe," meaning "lump" or "piece," used figuratively for a piece of work. It evolved into its modern sense of "paid employment" during the 17th century.

Derivatives

• Jobless (adjective)
• Jobbing (adjective)
• Jobholder (noun)
• Jobbing (verb, gerund)
• Overjob (verb)

Synonyms

• Work
• Occupation
• Task

Antonyms

• Unemployment
• Leisure
• Idleness

Usage

The term "job" is commonly used in professional and informal contexts. Examples include "He found a new job as a teacher," or "Her job is to organize the event."

Related Terms

• Career: A long-term professional journey.
• Employment: The state of having paid work.
• Task: A specific piece of work to be done.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A paid position of regular employment: Refers to a person's occupation or role for which they are compensated.
  • Example: "She has a job at the local library."
• A specific task or duty to be completed: Describes a piece of work or an assignment.
  • Example: "Completing the report is my next job."
• A responsibility or role: Refers to a duty or function assigned to someone.
  • Example: "It’s your job to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Verb

• To do casual or occasional work: Refers to engaging in temporary or informal employment.
  • Example: "He spent the summer jobbing for a landscaping company."
• To subcontract work: Describes the act of assigning tasks to others to complete.
  • Example: "The company jobbed out the manufacturing to a third party."