What is worker? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of worker

workernoun

/ˈwəːkə/
Definition & pronunciation of worker

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "worker." Here's a breakdown of the pronunciation, with emphasis on the key sounds:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • “Work”: This is the core of the word. Pronounce it like "work" as in "work hard." It's a short "er" sound.
  • “-er”: This is the suffix. It's pronounced like “-er” as in “better” or “sister.”

2. Putting it Together:

The full pronunciation is "ˈwɜːrkər" (British English) or "ˈwɜrk-ər" (American English).

Let’s break that down further:

  • ˈwɜːrk: This is the stressed part.

    • ˈ: This symbol (a small vertical line) indicates primary stress. It means you emphasize this syllable.
    • wɜːrk:
      • w: As in "water."
      • ɜːrk: This is the tricky part! It's a vowel sound that's kind of between "er" and "or." Many people find it a little awkward at first. Try to say it as if you're starting with a short "uh" sound and letting it glide into a longer, slightly rounded "er" sound. It's a sound that exists in many English words - think of words like "bird" or "hurt."

  • -ər: (pronounced like “er” as in “better”)

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The absolute best way to learn pronunciation is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce worker" on YouTube. Listen to several different speakers to get a feel for variations.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.
  • Break it Down: Practice saying each part ("work" and "-er") separately before putting them together.
  • Don’t Overemphasize the “r”: The "-er" sound is subtle. You don't want to make a strong "r" sound like in "red."
  • Focus on the Vowel: Really concentrate on the “ɜːrk” sound. This is the key to getting it right.

Resources:

Do you want me to:

  • Record myself saying "worker"?
  • Give you some similar-sounding words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word worker in English

Let's break down how to use the word "worker" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Definition: A Person Who Works

At its most fundamental, "worker" simply means a person who performs labor or work to earn a living.

  • Example: "The factory employs hundreds of workers."
  • Example: "She’s a dedicated worker and always meets her deadlines."

2. More Specific Uses - Focusing on the Nature of the Work

"Worker" can also imply a particular type of work or a specific category of laborers.

  • Factory Worker: "He’s a skilled factory worker who operates the machinery."
  • Agricultural Worker: "Farmers are vital agricultural workers."
  • Construction Worker: “The construction workers were working diligently on the new building.”
  • Retail Worker: "She works as a retail worker in a busy department store."
  • Blue-Collar Worker: This refers to someone who typically does manual labor – often in industries like manufacturing, construction, or mining. (e.g., "He’s a blue-collar worker with a strong work ethic.")
  • White-Collar Worker: This refers to someone who typically works in an office environment, often in professional or administrative roles. (e.g. “She’s a white-collar worker in finance.”)

3. Using “Worker” in Phrases

  • Laborer: A worker who performs manual labor. (Often used interchangeably with "worker," but "laborer" tends to emphasize physical exertion.)
  • Wage Worker: Someone who is paid a wage for their work.
  • Employee: This is a broader term referring to someone who has an employer-employee relationship. A "worker" is an employee, but not all employees are necessarily described as “workers.”
  • Working Class: A group of people who primarily earn their living through manual or industrial labor. (This is a socio-economic term.)
  • To work (someone): "The team worked tirelessly to finish the project." (Here, “work” is the verb.)

4. Tone and Context

  • Formal: "The company’s workforce consists of over 500 workers."
  • Informal: “She’s a hard-working worker.”

5. Alternatives to "Worker"

While “worker” is perfectly acceptable, here are some alternatives that might be more appropriate depending on the context:

  • Employee: (More common in business contexts)
  • Staff: (Often used for office or administrative staff)
  • Laborer: (Emphasizes manual work)
  • Personnel: (A more formal term)
  • Individual: (If you want to avoid referring to them as a group)

Here's a table summarizing different uses:

Usage Definition Example
Basic A person who works "The worker operated the machine."
Specific Types Relating to a specific type of work “A construction worker built the bridge.”
Phrases Related terms and expressions "A wage worker earns a salary.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "worker" in? (e.g., a school essay, a business report, a casual conversation?)
  • Is there a specific situation you're trying to describe?

Synonyms for the word worker

Idioms of the word worker

a fast worker
(informal)a person who knows how to get what they want quickly, especially when beginning a sexual relationship with somebody

    Practice with vocabulary worker

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The factory floor buzzes with activity, as each _________ diligently performs their assigned tasks.
    2. After years of dedicated service, the experienced _________ was recognized for his invaluable contributions to the company's success.
    3. The new _________ in the HR department is responsible for onboarding procedures and benefits administration.
    4. Ensuring the well-being of all _________ is a top priority for our organization, especially concerning mental health support.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which of the following terms best describes an individual who performs a specific job or task, often in exchange for wages or salary? a) Executive b) Worker c) Investor d) Consumer

    2. A "worker" is typically characterized by: (Select all that apply) a) contributing labor or effort to a task or project b) being employed by a company or institution c) primarily focusing on strategic planning and high-level decision-making d) performing specific duties in exchange for compensation e) solely managing large teams

    3. The safety committee is composed of representatives from both management and the _________ to ensure fair decision-making regarding workplace conditions. a) leadership b) workforce c) workers d) clientele

    4. Which term refers to an individual hired on a temporary or project-specific basis, often without the full benefits of a permanent staff member? a) Employee b) Contractor c) Staff member d) Associate

    5. A person who guides, motivates, and directs a team towards achieving common goals and objectives is best described as a: a) subordinate b) trainee c) manager d) intern

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The company provides extensive training for all its manufacturing staff.

      • Rewrite the sentence, using "worker" or a related form.

    2. It is crucial that individuals performing these tasks adhere to strict safety standards.

      • Rewrite the sentence, using "worker" or a related form.

    3. People who are employed by the organization are encouraged to participate in the wellness program.

      • Rewrite the sentence, without using "worker" or its related forms, using a suitable replacement word.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. worker
    2. worker
    3. employee
    4. staff

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) Worker
    2. a) contributing labor or effort to a task or project b) being employed by a company or institution d) performing specific duties in exchange for compensation
    3. c) workers
    4. b) Contractor
    5. c) manager

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The company provides extensive training for all its manufacturing workers.
    2. It is crucial that all workers performing these tasks adhere to strict safety standards.
    3. Employees of the organization are encouraged to participate in the wellness program.

    Comment ()