employment
2 antonyms and opposites of employment, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A paid job or work that someone does regularly.
Antonyms
How to use employment
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From employ + -ment.
Full origin of employment →Frequently asked questions
What does “employment” mean?
The word “employment” means a paid job or work that someone does regularly. In plain terms, having, or being able to get, a paid job.
How do you pronounce “employment”?
“Employment” is pronounced ihm-PLOY-muhnt (/ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “employment” in a sentence?
Here is “employment” used in a sentence: “She found employment at a local law firm.”
What is another word for “employment”?
Words with a similar meaning to “employment” include employ and hire.
What is the opposite of “employment”?
The opposite of “employment” — its antonyms — are disemployment and unemployment.
What part of speech is “employment”?
“Employment” is a noun.
Is “employment” a common word?
“Employment” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “employment” have?
“Employment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a paid job or work that someone does regularly.
What is the difference between employment and unemployment?
Employment means having paid work — a job you do regularly in exchange for wages or a salary. Unemployment is the opposite: being without a job while actively looking for one and available to work. Economists track the unemployment rate as the share of the workforce that is jobless but seeking employment.
What are the types of employment?
Common types include full-time and part-time work, permanent and temporary positions, and fixed-term or contract roles. There is also self-employment, where people work for themselves, and freelance or gig work paid per task. Each differs in hours, security, and benefits, but all involve paid work done regularly.
What is the difference between employment and a job?
A job is a specific position or role, such as 'a job as a nurse.' Employment is the broader idea of having paid work at all, or the relationship between a worker and an employer. You might say someone is in employment, meaning they hold a job, whatever that particular job happens to be.
Why is employment important?
Employment provides income to cover living costs, but it also offers structure, purpose, social connection, and a sense of contribution. For society, high employment supports economic growth and reduces reliance on welfare. For individuals, steady work is closely linked to financial security and, for many, to wellbeing and self-esteem.