English Profile

job · noun

/dʒɑb/Full view

job (PAID EMPLOYMENT)

A1 C the regular work that you do in order to earn money

Dictionary examples:

a full-time/part-time job

a low-paying/high-paying job

When she graduated college, she got a job as an editor at a publishing company.

She's applied for a job at/with an insurance company.

Hundreds of workers could lose their jobs.

Learner example:

I'm going to do [a] part-time job on Saturday[s]. (Key English Test; A2; Japanese)

job (PIECE OF WORK)

A2 C a particular piece of work

Dictionary examples:

The builders are aiming to get the job done by the end of the month.

He spent the afternoon doing jobs around the house.

Learner example:

It will be a messy job so wear something old. (Key English Test; A2; Bengali)

job (RESPONSIBILITY)

B2 no plural something that is your responsibility

Dictionary examples:

She believed her job as a politician was to represent the views of her party and the people who voted for her.

I know it's not my job to tell you how to run your life, but I do think you've made a mistake.

Learner example:

One day, my boss said to me: "Serve tea every morning". I'm a computer operat[o]r. I'm not his wife. It is not my job. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

do a good/excellent, etc. job ()

B2 to do something well/very well, etc.

Dictionary example:

She did a great job of organizing the event.

Learner example:

Dear Bill, I think you did a very good job writing this chapter. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

do the job

C2 If something does the job, it achieves the desired result.

Dictionary example:

I need somewhere to keep these papers – this folder should do the job.

Learner example:

Allow them to bring home friends and therefore develop social skills. In my opinion, that should do the job. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

on the job

C1 at the place where you work, or while you work

Dictionary examples:

She's only had two years on the job and has been promoted already.

He keeps falling asleep on the job.

Learner example:

Not managing on the job wouldn't just have been your failure, but also [your] employer's, who had trusted you. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Russian)