contractor
kun-TRAK-tur
/kənˈtræktər/
A person or firm that undertakes a binding contract to provide materials or perform labor for a specified job.
Implies a formal legal agreement with clearly specified deliverables, schedules, and tax classifications (e.g., 1099 status).
The story behind the word. From Latin 'contrahere' meaning 'to draw together' or 'to enter into an agreement'. It passed into Anglo-Norman French and English to designate someone bound by formal drawn agreements.
Word relationships
- vendor: Vendor often sells goods or generic services, while a contractor fulfills bespoke project contracts.
- consultant: Consultants provide expert advice, whereas contractors are often hired to execute physical or technical work.
- employee: An employee works directly for an organization under a permanent labor contract.
Commonly confused with
- employee: Contractors retain autonomy over how work is done and pay self-employment taxes, whereas employees have labor law protections.
Word family
- contract (noun): A legally binding agreement.
- contractual (adjective): Agreed upon in a contract.
Collocations
- independent contractor
- defense contractor
- general contractor
- contractor agreement
Example sentences
- "The software firm hired an independent contractor to audit their cybersecurity infrastructure." Corporate Hiring
- "The contractor agreed to supply the necessary materials and labor according to specifications." Industry Citation
Memory hook
A CON-TRACT-OR TRACTION pulls two parties together into a tight legal bond. Contractor = bound by a contract.
When not to use
Do not confuse with direct W-2 permanent employees who receive payroll benefits.
Fun facts
- In ancient Roman law, 'contractus' signified a contract binding both parties under civil duty.
Related words
Explore more words
contractual, Binding, obligation, Agreement, deliverable, Contract
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