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

Programs offered include financial literacy, life skills training and employment assistance. —Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

As a result, many experience significant debt accumulation and credit score damage, affecting their ability to rent housing, purchase vehicles, or even secure employment. —Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026

Usually, that would result in less office demand, but the drop in employment could also be giving employers more leverage to get workers back into the office. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026

ATMs didn’t expand bank teller employment in the long run. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026