gig economy

noun

: economic activity that involves the use of temporary or freelance workers to perform jobs typically in the service sector

One reason the gig economy has taken off: People tend to change jobs more frequently and many enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and where they work.

—Marcia Pledger

While they are still able to work, boomers will be a big part of a subset of the sharing economy that is sometimes called the "gig economy." Gigs are what they sound like: assignments, contracts or part-time jobs.

—Linda Nazareth

Examples of gig economy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Investors questioned the sustainability of that growth in a post-Covid world, and saw intense competition in the market and legal challenges to the gig economy model as key risks for Deliveroo. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 6 May 2025

Violence against delivery drivers could make gig economy jobs seen as more dangerous, exerting pressure on companies to bolster protections for drivers. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025

Its focus is enhancing gig economies and everyday business dynamics with trust, transparency, and peace of mind. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

While some gig economy workers value the flexibility that short-term assignments offer, others may want to enjoy the stability of having a full-time role. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

gig entry 1

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gig economy

• deuteronomy
• aeronomy
• agronomy
• astronomy
• autonomy
• gastronomy
• metonymy
• taxonomy