service
gb/sˈɚvɪs/ us/sˈɚvɪs/
A2
English
~ 200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
action
1
Providing help or work
The act of helping or working for someone.
Usage pattern:
provide [someone] with a service
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'service' with 'servant', but 'service' is the help given, not the person.
Synonyms
assistance (More general and can be informal or formal; does not always imply a paid role.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to provide necessary help or attention.)
Collocations
customer service
|public service
|provide a service
|service industry
|service provider
Themes
business
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company prides itself on excellent customer service.
- The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the airport.
- She has worked in the public service for over twenty years.
- We need to improve our service to attract more clients.
- The restaurant's slow service upset many customers.
Learner examples
- This shop has good service.
- The bus service is fast.
- He works in public service.
- The restaurant gives friendly service.
Noun
A2
entity
2
System providing public resource
An organization or system that gives something people need.
Synonyms
agency (Often refers to a specific government department; narrower in scope.)
Antonyms
individual (Refers to a single person, not an organized system or body.)
Collocations
postal service
|health service
|emergency services
|transport service
Themes
infrastructure
|government
|business
|daily_life
Examples
- The postal service delivers letters across the country.
- The health service is free for all citizens.
- Emergency services responded quickly to the accident.
- The local bus service runs every 30 minutes.
Learner examples
- The city has a bus service.
- The health service is free here.
- I called the emergency services.
Noun
B1
event
3
Religious ceremony in worship place
A meeting for worship in a church or other holy place.
Synonyms
ceremony (Broader term; not always religious.)
Antonyms
secular gathering (A meeting without religious purpose.)
Collocations
church service
|funeral service
|wedding service
Themes
religion
Examples
- We attend the morning service every Sunday.
- The wedding service was beautiful and moving.
- A memorial service will be held next week.
Learner examples
- I go to church service every Sunday.
- The funeral service was very sad.
- They had a wedding service in the church.
Noun
technical
B1
action
4
Maintenance or repair of equipment
Work done to keep machines or equipment in good condition.
Synonyms
maintenance (General term for keeping something in working order; not always by a professional.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to maintain or repair equipment.)
Collocations
car service
|regular servicing
|service appointment
Themes
technology
|mechanics
|work
Examples
- My car needs a full service before our road trip.
- The printer is out of order and needs servicing.
- Regular service will extend the life of your air conditioner.
Learner examples
- I took my car for a service.
- The machine needs service now.
- Regular service keeps the computer working well.
Noun
B1
state
5
Serving in military forces
Work time in the army, navy, or air force.
Synonyms
duty (A general term for responsibility; not specific to military.)
Antonyms
civilian life (Life outside the armed forces.)
Collocations
military service
|active service
|years of service
Themes
military
|politics
|work
Examples
- He completed two years of military service before starting university.
- She was injured while on active service overseas.
- His years of service were recognized with a medal.
Learner examples
- He did two years of military service.
- She is on active service now.
- He got a medal for his years of service.
Grammar
Dictionary form
service
IPA
GB/sˈɚvɪs/
US/sˈɚvɪs/
Syllables & stress
ser - vice (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ser)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: service
- Plural: service, services
Word family
Forms
services
noun
Related words
servant
noun A2
Negative and opposite forms
disservice
noun
Advanced or less common
serviceable
adjective B2
Expressions
in service
1/ˈɪn sˈɚvɪs/
fixed phrase
Currently being used as intended
Working and being used for its job now.
Examples
- The old train is still in service after 50 years.
- This machine is no longer in service.
out of service
1/ˈaʊt əv sˈɚvɪs/
fixed phrase
Not working or available for use
Not working and cannot be used now.
Examples
- The elevator is out of service until tomorrow.
- This phone number is out of service.
public service
1/pˈʌblɪk sˈɚvɪs/
fixed phrase
Work for community benefit by government
Work that helps people in the community, usually done by the government.
Examples
- He has worked in public service for over 30 years.
- Public service workers are on strike today.
customer service
1/kˈʌstəmɚ sˈɚvɪs/
fixed phrase
help given to customers
Help and advice given by a company to people who buy or use its products or services.
Examples
- Good customer service can make people return to your store.
- Good customer service can make a big difference to a business.
- I called customer service to fix my internet problem.
- The company has a 24-hour customer service hotline.
military service
1/mˈɪlɪtˌɛɹi sˈɚvɪs/
fixed phrase
Time spent serving in armed forces
Work you do for the army, navy, or air force, often for a set time.
Examples
- He did his military service after high school.
- He completed his military service at the age of 22.
- Military service is required for all men in that country.
- Military service is compulsory in that country.