job
/dอกสษb/
In the context of employment, it is more concrete and routine than "career." While a career implies a long-term professional journey, a job often refers to the specific role or the act of working for pay. When referring to a task, it suggests a discrete unit of work with a defined beginning and end. It carries a sense of obligation or necessity, regardless of whether payment is involved. In casual speech, "job" can describe the quality of a result (e.g., "a good job"), shifting the focus from the process of working to the outcome achieved.
Used as a countable noun whether referring to a permanent career role ('a full-time job') or a single chore to be completed ('a quick job in the garden').
๐ฌCasual Conversation
My boss just dumped a ton more work on me. This part-time job is actually a full-time nightmare.
Sounds like a you problem. Maybe you should 'lean in' more.
Meanings
A regular activity performed in exchange for payment.
"He is looking for a full-time job in marketing."
A specific piece of work or a particular task to be completed.
"I have a few jobs to do around the house this weekend."
A particular role or position of employment.
"The job of a manager is to coordinate the team."
Collocations & Compounds
full-time job
A job that requires you to work a set number of hours each week, typically 35-40.
She has a full-time job as a nurse.
part-time job
A job that requires you to work fewer hours than a full-time job.
He took a part-time job while he was studying at university.
dream job
A job that someone would like to have very much.
Becoming a travel writer has always been her dream job.
new job
A recently acquired position of employment.
He's very excited about his new job in the city.
stable job
A job that is secure and unlikely to be lost.
He's looking for a stable job with good benefits.
Phrasal Verbs
take on a job
To accept responsibility for a particular task or job.
The company decided to take on the job of renovating the old theatre.
finish a job
To complete a task or piece of work.
Let's try to finish this job before we leave for the day.
get the job done
To successfully complete a task or achieve a goal.
We need to work together to get the job done on time.
job swap
An arrangement where two people exchange jobs for a period of time.
They decided to job swap for a month to experience different work environments.
Idioms & Sayings
a tough job
A difficult task or undertaking.
Raising three children on your own is a tough job.
a man's job
A job or task that is traditionally considered suitable for men.
Some people still think that being a construction worker is a man's job.
just a job
Something done solely for money, without passion or interest.
He doesn't love coding; for him, it's just a job.
good job
An expression of approval for something well done.
You passed the exam? Good job!
a dirty job
A task that is unpleasant, messy, or morally questionable.
Someone has to clean the sewers; it's a dirty job, but necessary.
Etymology
The word 'job' originated in the late 14th century as a term for a task or piece of work. It likely derived from the Middle English word 'jobbe', which meant 'a piece of work'. The exact origin of 'jobbe' is uncertain, but it may be related to the name Jobe (Job in the Bible), who endured many trials and tribulations. The meaning evolved to refer specifically to a paid position or employment in the 17th century, possibly influenced by the idea of a regular task or duty. The sense of 'a specific undertaking or exploit' emerged around the same time, and the slang sense of 'a dishonest or illegal transaction' appeared in the 19th century.