Work

/wɜːrk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.

He has to do a lot of work to finish his project on time.

A task or set of tasks that require effort and diligence.

Her work at the library involves organizing books and helping patrons.

The result or outcome of an activity or effort, especially something produced.

The artist's latest work has received critical acclaim.

Employment or a job; the responsibilities associated with a position.

She enjoys her work as a teacher because she loves helping students learn.

verb

To engage in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a result.

I need to work on my presentation for tomorrow.

To function or operate, as in a machine or a system.

The car doesn't work properly when it's cold.

To exert effort or skills in a particular task or job.

He works very hard to meet his clients' needs.

To have an effect; to produce a desired result.

I hope this new strategy will work for the business.

Middle English, from Old English 'weorc', from Proto-Germanic 'werkan' (to work).

work out

To exercise or to solve a problem.

work it out

To discuss or negotiate a resolution to a problem.

work on

To put effort into developing or improving something.

work for a living

To engage in employment in order to earn an income.

worker

A person who does manual or non-manual work.

workplace

The location where someone works.

workflow

The sequence of processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion.

To put in a lot of effort or energy.

She really worked it on stage during the performance.

To be successful in achieving something.

He's working the system to get ahead in his career.