Occupation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən/ oc·cu·pa·tion

Meaning & Definition of Occupation

Occupation (noun)

  1. the work in which a person is employed, profession
  2. an activity in which one engages
  3. the possession, use, or settlement of land, occupancy

Occupation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the activity by which one regularly makes a living

    "my primary occupation is stockbroker, but I'm a drummer in a rock band on the weekends"

    similar: calling, employment, game, lay, line, profession, trade, vocation, work
    related: call, lifework, business, enterprise, field, livelihood, living, métier, racket (slang), assignment, engagement, gig, mission, art, craft, handcraft, handicraft, appointment, berth, billet, office, place, position, post, situation, duty, function, job, load, task, workload
    near: avocation, hobby, pursuit

  2. the act or fact of residing in a place

    "occupation of a condemned building is illegal"

    similar: habitation, occupancy, possession, residency
    related: tenancy, tenantry, ownership, proprietorship, trespass
    near: dispossession, ejection, ejectment, vacancy, vacating, vacation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Occupation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Occupation:

calling, employment, game, lay, line, profession, trade, vocation, work, habitation, occupancy, possession, residency

Related Words for Occupation

call, lifework, business, enterprise, field, livelihood, living, métier, racket, assignment, engagement, gig, mission, art, craft, handcraft, handicraft, appointment, berth, billet, office, place, position, post, situation, duty, function, job, load, task

Near Antonyms of Occupation

avocation, hobby, pursuit, dispossession, ejection, ejectment, vacancy, vacating, vacation

Origin & Etymology of Occupation

Middle English occupacioun "possession of land, engagement in an activity, vocation, concern," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French occupaciun, borrowed from Latin occupātiōn-, occupātiō "seizing possession, preoccupation," from occupāre "to grasp, take possession of, fill up (space, a position)" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of verbal action occupy

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Occupation

Frequently Asked Questions about Occupation

What does "Occupation" mean?

"Occupation" means the work in which a person is employed, profession. As a noun, it is defined as: the work in which a person is employed, profession. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Occupation"?

Other words for "Occupation" include calling, employment, game, lay, line, profession, trade and vocation. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Occupation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Occupation"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Occupation". Common alternatives include calling, employment, game, lay, line, profession, trade, vocation, work and habitation.

How do you use "Occupation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Occupation" in a sentence: "my primary occupation is stockbroker, but I'm a drummer in a rock band on the weekends"; "occupation of a condemned building is illegal".

Is "Occupation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Occupation" is a noun.

Is "Occupation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Occupation" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Occupation"?

"Occupation" is pronounced /ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən/ and divided into syllables as oc·cu·pa·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Occupation"?

"Occupation" comes from Middle English occupacioun "possession of land, engagement in an activity, vocation, concern," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French occupaciun, borrowed from Latin occupātiōn-, occupātiō "seizing possession, preoccupation," from occupāre "to grasp, take possession of, fill up (space, a position)" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of verbal action occupy. First known use: 14th century.