vacancy
VAY-kuhn-see
/ˈveɪkənsi/
An unoccupied position or job that is available to be filled.
A vacancy is specifically the 'hole' in the organization that needs to be filled, rather than the job description itself.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'vacare', meaning 'to be empty or free'. It shares a root with 'vacation' (being free from work) and 'vacuum' (an empty space).
Word relationships
- opening: An opening is a less formal term for a vacancy.
- post: A post refers to the position itself, whether empty or filled.
- occupancy: The state of being filled or lived in.
Commonly confused with
- requisition: A vacancy is the empty spot; a requisition is the formal request to fill that spot.
Word family
- vacant (adj): Empty or unoccupied.
- vacate (verb): To leave a position or place.
Collocations
- fill a vacancy
- job vacancy
- current vacancy
Example sentences
- "I saw a vacancy for a senior accountant on the company's LinkedIn page." Job Search
- "Due to the recent expansion, we have a vacancy in the logistics department that needs immediate attention." Internal Memo
Memory hook
A vacancy is like a vacuum—it's an empty space that needs to be filled. Vacancy = Empty space.
When not to use
In a hotel context, it means an empty room; in a job context, it must refer to a specific role.
Fun facts
- The 'No Vacancy' sign on motels is one of the most common uses of this word outside of the workplace.
Related words
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