A2verb2K

Employ

UK /["/ɪmˈplɔɪ/","/ɪmˈplɔɪz/","/ɪmˈplɔɪd/","/ɪmˈplɔɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪmˈplɔɪ/","/ɪmˈplɔɪz/","/ɪmˈplɔɪd/","/ɪmˈplɔɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give somebody a job to do for payment

In simple words: To use someone in a job or to hire someone.

Examples

  • The company will employ new strategies to increase sales.
  • She decided to employ a personal assistant to help with her workload.
  • They want to employ more staff to handle the growing demand.
  • You can employ different methods for learning a new language.
  • He was happy to employ his skills in the project.

Usage notes

Commonly used in business contexts. Not appropriate in casual conversations when referring to hiring friends or family. Use 'hire' in less formal situations.

Grammar pattern

employ + object

Memory hint

Think of 'employ' as 'employing' a tool to get things done.

Collocations

  • actively
  • directly
  • indirectly
  • in
  • be fully employed
  • be gainfully employed
  • be permanently employed
  • commonly
  • extensively
  • frequently

Synonyms

  • hire
  • engage
  • utilize
  • recruit
  • assign

Antonyms

  • fire
  • dismiss
  • terminate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'employer' (the person who employs).
  • Used incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Omitted the object: 'He employs' without specifying someone.