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

By 2024, the percentage of workers with less than nine years on the job had fallen to 42%. — Mariana Trujillo, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2026

In his third year on the job, Barnes told WJZ there is still work to do to improve educational services for the district's more than 57,000 students. — Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Working with a contractor who isn't insured comes with some obvious risks relating to on-the-job injuries and property damage. — Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

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

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