ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Work

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /wɜːrk/ · Part of speech noun / verb

Quick meaning: Work is a noun / verb meaning an activity involving effort, or the job a person does; to perform a task or function.

Meaning

an activity involving effort, or the job a person does; to perform a task or function.

More Meanings

  1. Activity involving physical or mental effort in order to achieve a result.
  2. A job or the duties that someone performs for pay.
  3. To perform a task, carry out duties, or function as intended.

Example Sentences

The new system works well.
She starts work at nine each morning.
We worked together to solve the problem.

Word Forms

Common Phrases

Synonyms for work

Depending on context, synonyms include job, labor, effort, operate, function.

Antonyms for work

Common opposites include rest, idle, malfunction.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include worker, working, workplace, employment.

Better Words for Work

Formal

labor

Professional

operate

Result

function

Usage

Work is commonly used both as a noun for effort or employment and as a verb for doing a task or functioning correctly.

Commonly Confused & Compared Words

Related Dictionary Tools

PRACTICE THIS WORD

Practice “work” in a Crossword

Recall this definition from a clue, use crossing letters, and review the word again when you solve it.

Sources & Attribution

JisuPost English editorial data