employment
gb/ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/ us/ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/
A2
English
~ 1100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
state
1
The condition of having a job
When a person has a job and is paid for their work.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is in employment
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'employment' with 'employer'. 'Employment' is the state of working; an 'employer' is the person or company you work for.
Synonyms
work (General term for tasks done for payment; less formal than 'employment'.)
|
job (Refers to a specific position; 'employment' is the general state.)
Antonyms
unemployment (The state of not having paid work; direct opposite.)
Collocations
full-time employment
|gain employment
|seek employment
|secure employment
|in employment
Themes
business
|economics
|daily life
|work
Examples
- The company offers stable employment to over 500 people.
- After months of searching, she finally found employment.
- Government policies aim to increase levels of employment.
Learner examples
- He is in full-time employment.
- She found employment in a shop.
- Many people are looking for employment.
Noun
B1
action
2
The act of hiring people
When a company or person hires someone to do work for pay.
Usage pattern:
the employment of [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'employment' (the act) with 'employee' (the person hired).
Synonyms
hiring (More informal and focuses on the act itself rather than the ongoing state.)
|
recruitment (Usually refers to the process of finding and attracting candidates; 'employment' is broader.)
Antonyms
dismissal (The act of ending someone's job; opposite action.)
Collocations
employment contract
|employment opportunities
|terms of employment
|employment rights
Themes
business
|economics
|work
Examples
- The company’s employment of skilled workers has boosted productivity.
- Laws regulate the employment of minors.
- Her employment by the firm began last January.
Learner examples
- The factory started the employment of more workers.
- Employment of young people is important.
- The school stopped the employment of part-time teachers.
Noun
formal
B2
action
3
The use of something for a purpose
Using something for a reason or goal.
Usage pattern:
employment of [something] in [context]
Common mistake:
Learners may incorrectly assume this meaning always refers to jobs; in formal contexts, it can mean 'use'.
Synonyms
use (More common in everyday speech; 'employment' is more formal.)
|
utilization (Technical term often used in business or science contexts.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to use something when it could be beneficial.)
Collocations
employment of force
|employment of technology
|employment of resources
Themes
general
|formal writing
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- The novel’s employment of symbolism is remarkable.
- Successful projects require the careful employment of resources.
- The employment of advanced technology improved efficiency.
Learner examples
- The employment of this tool makes the job easy.
- Employment of good methods helps learning.
- We saw the employment of new machines in the farm.
Grammar
Dictionary form
employment
IPA
GB/ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/
US/ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/
Syllables & stress
em - ploy - ment (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ploy)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: employment
- Plural: employment, employments
Word family
Forms
employments
noun
Related words
employable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
employability
noun
Expressions
gain employment
1/ɡˈeɪn ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/
fixed phrase
Get a job
To get a job and start working.
Examples
- She gained employment as a teacher last year.
- It is difficult to gain employment without experience.
in employment
1/ˈɪn ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/
fixed phrase
Currently having a paid job
Having a job at the present time.
Examples
- Over 90% of graduates are in employment within six months.
- She has been in employment since leaving university.
secure employment
1/sɪkjˈʊɹ ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/
fixed phrase
Get stable paid work
To get and keep a safe and steady job.
Examples
- He secured employment with a large law firm.
- Training programs help people secure employment.
seek employment
1/sˈik ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/
fixed phrase
Look for a job
To try to find a job.
Examples
- He moved to the city to seek employment.
- Many people are seeking employment after the factory closed.
terms of employment
1/tˈɚmz əv ɪmplˈɔɪmənt/
fixed phrase
formal
Conditions for a job role
The rules and conditions of a job, like pay and hours.
Examples
- The terms of employment are stated in the contract.
- They discussed the terms of employment before she accepted the offer.