Employment

Definition

Employment is a noun that refers to the state of having paid work, as well as the act of employing someone. It encompasses both the condition of being employed in a job and the broader concept of work or labor provided for compensation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/
• Respelling: im-PLOY-muhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/
• Respelling: im-PLOY-muhnt

Etymology

The word "employment" originates from the Old French "emploiier," meaning "to use" or "employ," which in turn comes from Latin "implicare," meaning "to engage" or "involve." The English term developed in the 16th century, initially describing the act of using something, later broadening to encompass the hiring of individuals for work.

Derivatives

• Employ (verb)
• Employee (noun)
• Employer (noun)
• Unemployment (noun)
• Reemployment (noun)

Synonyms

• Work
• Occupation
• Job

Antonyms

• Unemployment
• Idleness
• Retirement

Usage

The term "employment" is used to refer to the condition of being employed, as in "full-time employment" or "seeking employment." It can also denote the act of providing work, such as "the company’s employment of new staff."

Related Terms

• Labor: Physical or mental work performed in exchange for wages.
• Position: A role or job held within an organization.
• Hiring: The act of recruiting or employing someone for a job.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The state of having paid work: Refers to the condition in which a person is hired to perform tasks in exchange for compensation.
  • Example: "She is currently seeking employment after graduation."
• The act of hiring or engaging someone for work: Describes the action of providing work or a job for another person.
  • Example: "The company’s employment of skilled professionals has increased."
• Work or tasks performed in exchange for compensation: Broadly refers to labor or effort undertaken for wages or a salary.
  • Example: "His employment involves a wide range of responsibilities."