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

Osako, who remains on the job with the support of UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk, has disputed many of the accusations and conclusions in the report. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The consultancy is geared toward professionals who aren’t receiving much guidance on the job; participants will likely receive some of that no-nonsense feedback Campanile was known for at 60 Minutes. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Doug Lipari, executive director of NYC Talent, believes that apprenticeships, which offer paid, on-the-job learning and credentialing, are a win-win. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Building curriculum in partnership with employers that blends technical training with the workplace habits and human competencies that define on-the-job success is part of what makes these pathways work. — Philip Weinberg, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 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