B2noun2K

Occupation

UK /["/ˌɒkjuˈpeɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌɑːkjuˈpeɪʃn/"]/

Definition

a job or profession

In simple words: What job someone does.

Examples

His occupation as a teacher kept him busy throughout the school year.
She changed her occupation from law to graphic design last year.
The occupation of the territory by foreign troops caused unrest.
During the war, the occupation of the city lasted several months.
Many surveys ask about your current occupation to understand job trends.
The occupation forces imposed curfews and strict regulations on the local people.
He chose a dangerous occupation that required a lot of physical work.
The occupation of the factory by striking workers halted production.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and casual contexts. More common in writing than speech. In informal settings, you might use 'job' instead.

Grammar pattern

occupation + of + person

Memory hint

Sounds like 'occupy'— imagine someone busy doing their job.

Collocations

full-time
current
main
choose
find
follow
list somebody’s occupation as something
a range of occupations
foreign
continued
continuing
begin
end
maintain
begin
end
continue
force
during the occupation
under occupation
occupation of
land
illegal
unlawful
take up
in occupation of
ready for occupation

Synonyms

profession
career
job
trade
vocation

Antonyms

unemployment
leisure

Common mistakes

Confused with 'job' – 'occupation' is often more formal.
Using 'occupation' when referring to a temporary position.
Mixing up with 'hobby' – an occupation is not the same as a leisure activity.