phrasal verb
work on
WURK on
Work on (phrasal verb) means to spend time and effort improving something or making progress with a task or project. Example: “She's been working on her thesis all summer.”
phrasal verb
1
To spend time and effort improving something or making progress with a task or project.
"She's been working on her thesis all summer."
"I need to work on my backhand before the tournament."
2
To repair or service something, especially a machine or vehicle.
"There's a mechanic working on the van outside."
"Don't work on the boiler with the power still connected."
3
informal To try persistently to persuade or influence someone.
"Leave him to me — I'll work on him before the vote."
"She's still working on her parents about the trip."
How to use work on
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep putting effort into something so it gets better or gets done.
When to use it
Neutral in all senses; the persuasion sense is informal and can sound slightly manipulative.
Memory tip
"Work on" points at the thing being improved; "work out" means to solve, exercise, or turn out well. "I worked on the problem" means I tackled it; "I worked out the problem" means I solved it.
Easily confused with
work on vs work at
work on vs work with
work on vs work out
Common pairings
work on a project
work on yourself
work on your relationship
still working on it
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like work on.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I need to _____ my backhand before the tournament.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between "work on" and "work at"?
"Work on" takes a project or object you are actively changing — work on a report, work on the car. "Work at" stresses sustained effort at a skill or quality, often over a long period — work at your patience, work at staying calm. With skills the two overlap, and both are acceptable.
What is the difference between "work on" and "work out"?
"Work on" means to put effort into improving something. "Work out" means to solve or calculate, to exercise, or to end successfully. "I'm working on the numbers" means I am still going; "I worked out the numbers" means I got the answer.
What does "working on myself" mean?
It means deliberately trying to improve your own habits, mental health or character, usually through therapy, reflection or new routines. It is a common phrase in relationships and self-help contexts.
What is the meaning of work on?
"work on" (phrasal verb) means to spend time and effort improving something or making progress with a task or project.
