on the job

1 of 2

phrase

: at work : while working

was injured on the job

on-the-job

2 of 2

adjective

ˈȯn-ṯẖə-ˈjäb 

: of, relating to, or being something (such as training or experience) learned, gained, or done while working at a job

Examples of on the job in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Workers want products that perform on the job without looking out of place beyond it and that’s exactly why Dickies is well positioned to lead. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026

Susan Nykaza remembers her first day on the job as a mail carrier in Blue Island. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Adjective

For finance professionals, the findings suggest that employers who invest in meaningful on-the-job development and clear growth paths can gain a competitive edge in attracting and keeping talent in an increasingly demanding and data-driven function. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 July 2026

Besides helmets and hoses, the fire department is asking for an in-house and on-site doctor of physical therapy position to help reduce and recover from on-the-job injuries. — Steve Large, CBS News, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for on the job

• blob
• bob
• cob
• daub
• fob
• glob
• gob
• hob
• knob
• lob
• mob
• rob

Kids Definition

on-the-job

adjective

: received or learned while working at a job

on-the-job training