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worker

employee
[C] Countable
pl: workerspast: workerpp: workering: workingcomp: more workersup: most worker

The term primarily functions as a socio-economic descriptor, often distinguishing those who perform manual labor from those in managerial or professional roles. In a labor context, it carries connotations of productivity, employment status, and class identity, frequently appearing in discussions regarding rights and wages. In biological terms, the word describes a specialized caste within eusocial organisms. Here, the focus shifts from economic compensation to evolutionary survival, where the worker's value is defined by their contribution to the collective health and reproduction of the colony rather than individual gain.

A person or insect that works.

💬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

Nounemployee

A person who works, especially one employed for physical or unskilled labor; a sterile member of a social insect colony; or a person characterized by great effort.

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

Collocations & Compounds

social worker

a professional who helps people with social problems

She began her career as a social worker.

migrant worker

a person who moves from place to place to find work

The farm relies heavily on migrant workers.

healthcare worker

a person providing medical services

Healthcare workers faced immense pressure during the pandemic.

hard worker

a person who puts in a lot of effort

He has always been a hard worker.

knowledge worker

a person whose main capital is knowledge

The modern economy is driven by the knowledge worker.

Related Words

Last Updated: June 8, 2026Report an Error