Definition of Career
Quick Meaning of Career
The job or series of jobs you do throughout your working life, usually progressing and building experience.
Detailed Definition of Career
A profession or occupation that someone pursues for a long period, typically with advancement and development over time.
How to Pronounce Career
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Two syllables with stress on the second: 'kuh-REER'. The 'r' at the end is pronounced clearly.
Watch out: Some speakers add a third syllable: 'kuh-REER-uh'. Keep it to two syllables.
Origin and Etymology of Career
From French 'carrière', from Italian 'carriera' meaning a course or track.
How to Use Career in a Sentence
Each example shows “career” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She had a successful career as a journalist for thirty years.”
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“His career in technology started after he graduated from university.”
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“Building a career requires hard work, education, and patience.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Career
Common Synonyms for Career
Smart Synonyms for Career — When to Use Each
- profession
- for a specific field requiring formal training or
- occupation
- when referring to any job or work someone
- vocation
- for work you feel called to do or
Common Collocations with Career
These phrases pair with “career” in everyday English:
- career path
- build a career
- start a career
- career change
- career development
Common Mistakes When Using Career
Even fluent speakers slip up with “career”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He changed his career from accountant to doctor.
- ✓ Correct: He changed careers from accountant to doctor.
- Why: Use plural 'careers' when changing from one profession to another.
- ✗ Wrong: I want to make a career in engineering.
- ✓ Correct: I want to pursue a career in engineering.
- Why: Use 'pursue' or 'build' with 'career', not 'make'.
Other Forms of Career
Frequently Asked Questions About Career
What is the meaning of "Career"?
The job or series of jobs you do throughout your working life, usually progressing and building experience.
How do you pronounce "Career"?
The IPA is /kəˈrɪər/. Two syllables with stress on the second: 'kuh-REER'. The 'r' at the end is pronounced clearly.
What part of speech is "Career"?
"Career" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Career"?
Common synonyms include profession, occupation, vocation.
How do you use "Career" in a sentence?
For example: "She had a successful career as a journalist for thirty years."