vacancy
VEY-kuhn-see
/ˈveɪ.kən.si/
An unoccupied position or active space; the state of being empty or available for rent.
In commercial real estate, 'vacancy' refers to unleased space, and the 'vacancy rate' is a key metric indicating the health of the property market.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin verb vacare, meaning 'to be empty' or 'free'. This root also gave us vacuum (completely empty space) and vacation (a time empty of work obligations). In medieval Latin, vacancia referred to an unoccupied ecclesiastical office or position.
Word relationships
- emptiness: 'Emptiness' is a general physical or emotional state, while 'vacancy' specifically refers to a space or job position that is available to be filled.
- void: A 'void' is a completely empty space, often implying a permanent or vast vacuum, whereas a 'vacancy' is a temporary state of being unoccupied.
- occupancy: Occupancy is the state of being filled, inhabited, or rented.
Commonly confused with
- vacation: Both share the root of 'being empty' (empty of work), but 'vacation' is a holiday, while 'vacancy' is an empty physical space or job.
Word family
- vacant (adjective): Empty; not filled.
- vacate (verb): To leave or make empty.
Collocations
- vacancy rate
- fill a vacancy
- high vacancy
- create a vacancy
Example sentences
- "The neon sign outside the motel flashed 'No Vacancy' to warn weary travelers that all rooms were occupied." A hotel sign visible from the highway.
- "The sudden rise in remote work led to a record-high office vacancy rate in the city's financial district." An analysis of the commercial office market.
Memory hook
A vacancy is like a VACUUM—it is an empty space waiting to suck in a tenant. Vacancy: an empty space, like a vacuum.
When not to use
Do not use 'vacancy' to describe a temporary absence (e.g., 'My desk has a vacancy while I go to lunch' is incorrect; use 'unoccupied' or 'empty').
Fun facts
- A 'structural vacancy rate' is the natural, healthy level of vacancy in a market (usually around 4-5%) that allows for normal tenant movement and renovations.
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