work
work Lexical Profile
work Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result, especially as a means of earning a livelihood.
"She finished her daily work at the office before heading to the university library."
A task or set of tasks to be undertaken; the materials or assignments that a person is required to complete.
"The professor handed back our graded work at the end of the seminar."
Something created or accomplished as a result of effort, especially an artistic, literary, or musical composition.
"The museum recently acquired a rare early work by the Renaissance painter."
An industrial plant, factory, or engineering facility where manufacturing or municipal processing is carried out (usually used in the plural, 'works').
"The old iron works along the river was converted into a science and technology museum."
In physics, the transfer of energy resulting from the application of a force that moves an object over a distance.
"In classical mechanics, work is calculated by multiplying the applied force by the displacement of the object."
• verb
To engage in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result, especially as one's regular occupation.
"He works as a software engineer for a renewable energy company."
To function or operate properly and effectively (of a machine, system, or device).
"The antique clock still works perfectly after being repaired by the horologist."
To produce a desired effect, outcome, or solution; to succeed.
"Their new strategy to reduce classroom distractions worked remarkably well."
To shape, mold, cultivate, or process a raw material or piece of land through sustained effort.
"The artisan worked the warm clay into a delicate pitcher on the potter's wheel."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a noun referring to general labor or employment, 'work' is uncountable (e.g., 'I have a lot of work today'), whereas 'job' is countable. When used countably in the plural ('works'), it refers either to artistic or literary creations (e.g., 'the works of Shakespeare') or to industrial plants and public infrastructure.
• Rhymes for work
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun derives from Old English 'weorc' (meaning something done, an action, or physical labor), while the verb comes from Old English 'wyrcan' (to prepare, perform, or make); both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*werg-' (to do), making them cognate with Ancient Greek 'ergon' (seen in 'energy' and 'ergonomics').