occupancy
OK-yuh-puhn-see
/ˈɒk.jə.pən.si/
The action or state of living or working in a building; the proportion of accommodation that is used or rented.
Can refer to the physical act of inhabiting a space, or to the statistical rate of leased space in a building or market (e.g., 'occupancy rate').
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin occupare, which combines ob- (over) and capere (to seize or take). Originally, it carried a connotation of seizing land by force. Over centuries, the word softened from military seizure to simply residing in or utilizing a space.
Word relationships
- tenancy: 'Tenancy' emphasizes the legal relationship and lease agreement of the occupant, while 'occupancy' refers strictly to the physical presence or utilization of the space.
- possession: 'Possession' is a legal right to control property, which can exist even if the owner is not physically occupying the space.
- vacancy: Vacancy is the state of being completely empty and unrented.
Commonly confused with
- occupation: 'Occupation' is your job or profession. 'Occupancy' is the physical act of inhabiting a building.
Word family
- occupant (noun): A person who resides or works in a place.
- occupy (verb): To reside or have one's place of business in a building.
Collocations
- occupancy rate
- certificate of occupancy
- maximum occupancy
- take occupancy
Example sentences
- "The new downtown office tower achieved ninety percent occupancy within six months of its grand opening." A commercial real estate market report.
- "The local fire marshal established the maximum occupancy of the restaurant at one hundred and fifty persons." A safety regulation document.
Memory hook
Occupancy is when you are OCCUPIED with living or working in a space. Occupancy: the state of occupying a building.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'occupation', which usually refers to a person's job or career, or the military takeover of a territory.
Fun facts
- A 'Certificate of Occupancy' (CO) is a crucial document issued by local government agencies. Without it, a business cannot legally open its doors to the public, even if construction is 100% complete.
Explore more words
tenancy, occupation, overcrowding, tenure, squat, accommodate
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