occupation
ok-yoo-PAY-shun
/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən/
A person's usual or principal work or business, especially as a means of earning a living; the action, state, or period of occupying or being occupied by military force.
A neutral, often administrative term for what someone does for a living.
The story behind the word. The root 'capere' means 'to seize'. An occupation is literally something that 'seizes' or takes up your time and energy. It can also refer to an army 'seizing' a territory.
Word relationships
- job: Job is more informal; occupation is more formal and used on documents.
- pastime: A pastime is done for leisure, while an occupation is one's primary work.
Commonly confused with
- vocation: Occupation is what you do; vocation is what you feel called to do.
Word family
- occupational (adjective): Relating to an occupation.
- occupy (verb): To fill or take up space or time.
- occupations (noun): Plural form of occupation.
Collocations
- current occupation
- state your occupation
- gainful occupation
Example sentences
- "Please state your name, age, and occupation on the application form." Filling out a form.
- "His main occupation during retirement was gardening." Daily activity.
Memory hook
Your job 'Occupies' your time. Occupation = Occupy your time.
When not to use
Can sound a bit cold or bureaucratic in casual conversation; 'job' is more common.
Fun facts
- In many languages, the word for 'occupation' and 'military takeover' is the same, as they both involve 'taking up' space or time.
Related words
Explore more words
avocation, income, incident, outcome, do business, consumption
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