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worker

In most contexts, 'worker' refers to an employee. When used in a social or political sense, it often describes the working class as a whole. When describing someone's personality, such as calling them a 'hard worker', it is a compliment meaning they are diligent and industrious. In biology, 'worker' is specifically used for insects like ants or bees to distinguish these individuals from the queen or drones.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Fatima is in the library while Maya is at a cafe.
Maya

I can't believe Chloe thinks she's a hard worker now just 'cause she stayed up till 2am.

Maya
Fatima
Fatima

Right? She's just playing catch-up after slacking off all month.

💡
Maya uses 'hard worker' to mock Chloe's sudden attempt at productivity. Fatima responds using the phrasal verbs 'playing catch-up' (trying to reach a required standard after falling behind) and 'slacking off' (avoiding work or effort).

Meanings

noun

A person who works, especially a person employed to do physical or unskilled work.

"The factory worker was praised for her efficiency on the assembly line."

noun

A member of a colony of social insects, such as an ant or bee, that is sterile and performs tasks to maintain the hive.

"The worker bees gather nectar from flowers to bring back to the queen."

noun

A person who spends a great deal of time and effort on a particular activity or goal.

"He is a hard worker who never leaves the office until the job is done."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error