: 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 Only three trainers were reassigned between January 2022 and April 2023, all for alleged on-the-job misconduct, not their performance. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024 Even more — 56% — believe that real world and on-the-job experience is more beneficial than obtaining a higher education degree. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2024 Such efforts should go beyond tool-specific training and be embedded into existing processes and on-the-job learning initiatives, such as new employee onboarding. Maria Flynn, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 This ongoing support translates into tangible on-the-job performance gains. Carol Leaman, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for on-the-job 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'on-the-job.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on-the-job was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near on-the-job

Cite this Entry

“On-the-job.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on-the-job. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

on-the-job

adjective
: received or learned while working at a job
on-the-job training
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!