What is vacancy? Pronunciation and usage in English

vacancy means . Learn how to pronounce and use vacancy through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of vacancy

vacancynoun

/ˈveɪk(ə)nsi/
Definition & pronunciation of vacancy

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vacancy." It's a bit tricky for some English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • vek-AN-see

Let's break down each syllable:

  • vek: Like the word "vet" but with a "v" sound. The "e" is a short, open "e" sound, like in "bed."
  • AN: Like the name "Ann." The "a" is a broad, open "a" sound.
  • see: As in the word "see."

Here's a more detailed breakdown with some tips:

  1. The "v" sound: Don't pronounce it as a "v" like in "van." It's a "v" sound, but subtly.

  2. The "a" in "vac": This is the key! It’s a long "a" sound, similar to the "a" in "father" or "car." It’s not an "ah" sound like in "cat."

  3. Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable: vek-AN-see.

Resources to hear it:

To summarize, think: "vek-AN-see" with a long "a" in the middle.

Do you want me to:

  • Say it again slowly?
  • Give you a similar word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word vacancy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vacancy" in English. It's a word that can sound a bit formal and has a few different, related meanings.

1. As a Job Opening (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: A vacancy refers to an empty position in a company or organization – a job that's currently available because someone has left or a new position needs to be filled.
  • Examples:
    • "We have a vacancy for a Marketing Assistant." (Meaning: We have an open position for a Marketing Assistant.)
    • "Check the company website for current vacancies." (Meaning: Look for available job openings.)
    • "The vacancy was advertised on LinkedIn." (Meaning: The job opening was advertised on LinkedIn.)
    • “She applied for the vacancy in the accounting department.”

2. As an Unoccupied Space or Position (More Formal)

  • Meaning: "Vacancy" can also simply mean an empty space or an unoccupied position, often used in a more formal or technical context. This is less common in everyday conversation.
  • Examples:
    • "There's a vacancy at the back of the bus." (Meaning: There's an empty seat.)
    • "The vacancy in the courtroom was filled by a new judge.” (Meaning: The empty seat of the judge was filled.)
    • “The vacancy in the schedule was due to a cancellation.” (Meaning: The empty slot in the schedule was because an appointment was canceled.)

3. Legally - A Temporary Absence

  • Meaning: In law, a “vacancy” can refer to a temporary situation where a position is empty due to a period of absence (e.g., a judge on leave, a mayor temporarily out of office).

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Vacancy" is generally a more formal word than "opening" or "position." You're more likely to hear it used in job postings, official announcements, or legal documents.
  • Context is Crucial: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand whether it's referring to a job opening or an unoccupied space.

Synonyms (Depending on the meaning):

  • For a Job Opening: opening, position, role, opportunity, slot, place
  • For an Unoccupied Space: empty space, seat, place, spot

Resources for More Information:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "vacancy" in a sentence?
  • Explain a specific context where "vacancy" is used?

Synonyms for the word vacancy

Practice with vocabulary vacancy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company announced a new managerial ____ in their marketing department, seeking candidates with at least five years of experience.
  2. We called several hotels, but they all reported no ____ for the upcoming holiday weekend, indicating full occupancy.
  3. The board meeting was postponed due to a ____ of quorum, as too few members were present to vote on the agenda.
  4. The new regulations will come ____ effect next month, requiring all businesses to update their compliance protocols.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms describes an open position in a company that needs to be filled? a) Employment slot b) Job opening c) Vacancy d) Career opportunity e) Staff requirement

  2. The hotel currently has several ____ available for booking, indicating it's not fully occupied. a) Occupancies b) Rooms for rent c) Suites d) Vacancies e) Reservations

  3. After the CEO's retirement, there was a significant ____ at the top leadership level, prompting a search for a suitable successor. a) Power gap b) Leadership void c) Vacancy d) Succession challenge e) Hierarchical shift

  4. What is another word for a specific role or status within an organization, often associated with a set of responsibilities? a) Function b) Location c) Position d) Station e) Standing

  5. Which term best describes the official start or establishment of a new business, store, or public facility? a) Initiation b) Launch c) Inauguration d) Opening e) Commencement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The apartment building has several units available for rent. (Rewrite using "vacancy" or a related word form.)
  2. Due to an unexpected resignation, a key position in the finance department is now unoccupied. (Rewrite using "vacancy" or a related word form.)
  3. The sudden departure of the project manager left an empty space in the team's leadership structure. (Rewrite, but do not use "vacancy" or "empty space"; use a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vacancy
  2. vacancies
  3. lack
  4. into

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Job opening, c) Vacancy, d) Career opportunity
  2. b) Rooms for rent, c) Suites, d) Vacancies
  3. a) Power gap, b) Leadership void, c) Vacancy
  4. c) Position
  5. b) Launch, d) Opening, e) Commencement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The apartment building has several vacancies.
  2. An unexpected resignation has created a vacancy in a key position in the finance department.
  3. The sudden departure of the project manager left a leadership void in the team's structure.

Comment ()