[IELTS Vocabulary] Work and employment

ielts vocabulary topic work and employment

This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resource scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.

However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.

Vocabulary list

1. Job Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance

Word/PhraseTypeMeaningExample
Work-life balanceNoun phraseHarmony between work and personal lifeAchieving work-life balance improves overall well-being.
Job satisfactionNoun phraseContentment and fulfillment from workJob satisfaction is crucial for employee retention.
Flexible hoursNoun phraseAbility to adjust work schedulesFlexible hours accommodate employees’ personal commitments.
Professional growthNoun phraseAdvancement and development in one’s careerOpportunities for professional growth enhance job satisfaction.
Work environmentNoun phraseConditions and atmosphere at the workplaceA positive work environment fosters job satisfaction.
Employee engagementNoun phraseInvolvement and enthusiasm in one’s workEmployee engagement is linked to higher job satisfaction.
BurnoutNounPhysical and emotional exhaustion from workBurnout negatively affects job satisfaction and productivity.
Workload managementNoun phraseEffective allocation of tasks and responsibilitiesProper workload management reduces stress and improves job satisfaction.
Career developmentNoun phraseProcess of acquiring skills and experiences for career advancementInvesting in career development enhances job satisfaction and retention.
Time managementNoun phraseEfficient use of time for tasks and activitiesEffective time management contributes to work-life balance.

2. Unemployment and Its Effects

Word/PhraseTypeMeaningExample
UnemploymentNounState of being without a jobUnemployment rates soared during the economic downturn.
Economic hardshipNoun phraseFinancial difficulties due to unemploymentFamilies may experience economic hardship during periods of unemployment.
Job insecurityNoun phraseFear of losing one’s job or employment uncertaintyJob insecurity can lead to stress and anxiety among workers.
Financial strainNoun phrasePressure caused by financial difficultiesUnemployment often results in financial strain for individuals and families.
UnderemploymentNounWorking in a job that does not utilize one’s skills or qualificationsUnderemployment is a common issue in fluctuating job markets.
Social isolationNoun phraseLack of social interaction and supportUnemployment can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
Psychological impactNoun phraseEffects on mental and emotional well-beingUnemployment can have significant psychological impacts on individuals.
Loss of self-esteemNoun phraseDecrease in self-worth and confidenceUnemployment may result in a loss of self-esteem and identity.
DependencyNounReliance on others for financial supportLong-term unemployment can create dependency on welfare systems.
Reemployment programsNoun phraseInitiatives to help unemployed individuals find new jobsReemployment programs offer support and resources to job seekers.

3. Remote Work and Its Pros and Cons

Word/PhraseTypeMeaningExample
Remote workNoun phraseWork done outside of a traditional office settingRemote work allows employees to work from anywhere with internet access.
FlexibilityNounFreedom to choose work hours and locationRemote work offers flexibility in managing personal and professional commitments.
Work-life integrationNoun phraseBlending work and personal life responsibilitiesWork-life integration enables individuals to balance work and personal obligations effectively.
TelecommutingNounWorking from a remote locationTelecommuting reduces commuting time and expenses.
Virtual meetingsNoun phraseOnline gatherings for collaborative discussionsVirtual meetings facilitate communication among remote teams.
Digital nomadNoun phraseA person who works remotely while travelingDigital nomads embrace remote work to explore new destinations.
Collaboration toolsNoun phraseSoftware facilitating group workCollaboration tools like Slack and Trello enhance remote teamwork.
ProductivityNounEfficiency and output in completing tasksRemote work can boost productivity by reducing office distractions.
IsolationNounThe feeling of being disconnected from othersRemote work may lead to feelings of isolation for some individuals.
CybersecurityNounProtection against unauthorized accessRemote work requires strong cybersecurity measures to safeguard data.

Idioms for Speaking

These are idioms and phrases that use topic-related figures of speech. They can also be used in different contexts.

IdiomDefinitionExample
Burn the midnight oilTo work late into the night; to put in extra hours of work.“To meet the deadline, we had to burn the midnight oil and work through the night.”
Climbing the corporate ladderAdvancing in one’s career and moving up to higher positions.“She’s been climbing the corporate ladder quickly, and now she’s a senior manager.”
Cut to the chaseTo get to the main point without unnecessary details.“Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the key issues affecting the project.”
Get the ball rollingTo start a process or activity; to initiate something.“Let’s have a kickoff meeting to get the ball rolling on the new project.”
Go the extra mileTo make a special effort or go above and beyond what is required.“She always goes the extra mile in her work, consistently delivering exceptional results.”
Hit the ground runningTo start a new job or project with great energy and enthusiasm.“I’m ready to hit the ground running in my new position and contribute to the team.”
In the loopTo be informed and kept up-to-date about a particular situation or project.“I want to be in the loop regarding any changes in the project timeline.”
Jump on the bandwagonTo adopt or support a popular trend or activity.“Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon of remote work due to its benefits.”
Keep one’s nose to the grindstoneTo work hard and diligently.“Success in any field often requires keeping your nose to the grindstone.”
Make ends meetTo have enough money to cover basic living expenses.“With rising costs, it’s becoming challenging for some families to make ends meet.”
Nine-to-five jobA typical office job with regular working hours.“He used to have a nine-to-five job, but now he prefers more flexible working hours.”
Off the clockNot working; not on duty.“I’m sorry, I can’t discuss work matters; I’m off the clock right now.”
On the same pageTo have a shared understanding or agreement about a particular topic.“It’s crucial for team members to be on the same page regarding project goals.”
Pay one’s duesTo gain experience and prove one’s worth through hard work.“Before becoming a manager, she paid her dues by working in various roles within the company.”
Pull one’s weightTo contribute one’s fair share of work or effort in a team.“In a collaborative project, it’s essential for everyone to pull their weight.”
Quick on the drawAble to think and react quickly; responsive.“In a fast-paced work environment, it’s important to be quick on the draw.”
Run out of steamTo lose energy or enthusiasm, often during a task.“After working on the project for hours, I ran out of steam and needed a break.”
Throw in the towelTo give up or surrender; to admit defeat.“Facing constant challenges, he decided to throw in the towel and look for a new job.”
Under the tablePayment made secretly, often involving dishonest or illegal activities.“Some businesses pay employees under the table to avoid taxes.”
Work one’s fingers to the boneTo work extremely hard and diligently.“She worked her fingers to the bone to meet the tight project deadline.”



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Huyen Nguyen

Founder of Practice9, creator of IELTS with Huyen. Huyen has 10 years of experience with IELTS, overall 8.5.

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