Synonyms of employment

employment

noun

im-ˈplȯi-mənt 

1

as in use

the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose

the employment of the kitchen oven as a storage cupboard had predictably disastrous results

Synonyms & Similar Words

• use
• application
• exercise
• usage
• operation
• play
• exertion
• reuse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disuse
• nonuse

2

as in profession

the activity by which one regularly makes a living

his regular employment is that of a restaurant waiter, but he always identifies himself as an actor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• profession
• occupation
• vocation
• work
• line
• job
• trade
• calling
• game
• livelihood
• duty
• business
• living
• mission
• position
• lay
• enterprise
• engagement
• assignment
• task
• place
• art
• office
• field
• situation
• call
• lifework
• racket
• function
• gig
• craft
• appointment
• workload
• post
• handicraft
• métier
• load
• billet
• handcraft
• berth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pursuit
• hobby
• avocation

3

as in employ

the state of being provided with a paying job

the parents tried to convey to their adult son the joys of steady employment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• employ
• tenure
• hire
• engagement
• work
• assignment
• appointment
• position
• recruitment
• occupation
• enlistment
• conscription
• situation
• post
• place
• incumbency

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unemployment
• removal
• discharge
• dismissal
• firing
• joblessness
• severance
• nonemployment
• suspension
• boot
• retirement
• sack
• liberty
• leave
• layoff
• furlough
• demotion

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun employment differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of employment are business, calling, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When is business a more appropriate choice than employment?

While in some cases nearly identical to employment, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When would calling be a good substitute for employment?

In some situations, the words calling and employment are roughly equivalent. However, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When can métier be used instead of employment?

The meanings of métier and employment largely overlap; however, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

In what contexts can occupation take the place of employment?

While the synonyms occupation and employment are close in meaning, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When is it sensible to use pursuit instead of employment?

The words pursuit and employment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When might work be a better fit than employment?

Although the words work and employment have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of employment

Other shifts may occur this time, including policies that unlink health care from a person’s employer—which is how the majority of Americans receive health care—as formal employment becomes more uncertain. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

Of course, other factors are considered in the lending decision, including your income, employment and existing debt, as well as how much of your income the monthly payments would eat up. —Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, Rodriguez, a former legislator from Miami who was assistant secretary for employment and training in the Department of Labor under President Joe Biden, has now raised more than $1 million. —Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026

The economy didn’t recover pre-recession employment levels until 2005. —Kathryn Anne Edwards, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026