noun

secondment

si-KOND-mənt

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Secondment (noun) means a temporary transfer of an employee to another department, organisation or location, after which they return to their original job. Example: “She spent a six-month secondment at the Treasury before returning to the department.”

noun

chiefly British A temporary transfer of an employee to another department, organisation or location, after which they return to their original job.

"She spent a six-month secondment at the Treasury before returning to the department."

"The firm offers secondments to client legal teams."

How to use secondment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA temporary move to another job, with your old one kept open for you.

When to use it

Neutral in British workplace and public sector English; may need glossing for American readers.

Memory tip

The verb is stressed differently from the number: se-COND someone to another team, but SEC-ond place.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

second (to support a motion) assignment → deputation →

Common pairings

on secondment a six-month secondment secondment agreement seconded to

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She spent a six-month _____ at the Treasury before returning to the department.

Etymology

From the verb second, 'to transfer someone temporarily to other duties', which came into military and civil service use from French en second 'in a secondary capacity'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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temporary transfer posting detachment assignment rotation indorsement second endorsement

Related words

two back both second project bill card minute

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a secondment and a transfer?

A secondment is temporary and you keep your substantive job to return to; a transfer is permanent and your old post is filled by someone else. On secondment your original employer usually still holds your contract.

Do you get paid on secondment?

Yes. In most arrangements your home employer continues to pay you and may recharge the cost to the host organisation, though the host sometimes pays a supplement. The terms should be set out in a written secondment agreement before you start.

Is secondment used in American English?

Rarely. Americans more often say a temporary assignment, detail, rotation or loan; secondment is standard in Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and much of the Commonwealth, and in international organisations.

What is the meaning of secondment?

"secondment" (noun) means a temporary transfer of an employee to another department, organisation or location, after which they return to their original job.

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