volunteer work
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for volunteer work, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Work done for a charity, community group or cause without pay, by choice.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
voluntary work
community service
unpaid work
Antonyms
paid employment
salaried work
How to use volunteer work
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
do volunteer work
volunteer work experience
volunteer work placement
Neutral. British writers often prefer 'voluntary work'; 'volunteer work' is standard in American English.
Etymology
From volunteer, via French volontaire, from Latin voluntarius 'of one's free will'.
Full origin of volunteer work →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between volunteer work and an internship?
Volunteer work is unpaid help given to a cause or organisation for its benefit. An internship is a training placement aimed primarily at your own learning and career, and it may be paid. Charities recruit volunteers; employers offer internships.
Is volunteer work the same as community service?
Not always. Volunteer work is freely chosen. Community service can mean the same thing, but it also names unpaid work ordered by a court as a penalty, or required by a school. Context decides which is meant.
Should volunteer work go on a CV?
Yes, particularly if it shows relevant skills, fills a gap in your employment history, or demonstrates commitment. List it like a job, with the organisation, dates and what you actually did.
