work list definition, work list meaning | English Cobuild
work
[worksplural & 3rd person present][workingpresent participle][workedpast tense & past participle]1verbPeople who work have a job, usually one which they are paid to do.
Weiner works for the US Department of Transport...V prep/adv
I started working in a recording studio...V prep/adv
Where do you work?...V prep/adv
He worked as a bricklayer's mate...V as n
I want to work, I don't want to be on welfare.V
Weiner works for the US Department of Transport...V prep/adv
I started working in a recording studio...V prep/adv
Where do you work?...V prep/adv
He worked as a bricklayer's mate...V as n
I want to work, I don't want to be on welfare.V
2n-uncountPeople who have work or who are in work have a job, usually one which they are paid to do.
oft in/out of N
Fewer and fewer people are in work..., I was out of work at the time..., She'd have enough money to provide for her children until she could find work...
oft in/out of N
Fewer and fewer people are in work..., I was out of work at the time..., She'd have enough money to provide for her children until she could find work...
3verbWhen you work, you do the things that you are paid or required to do in your job.
I can't talk to you right nowI'm working...V
He was working at his desk...V
Some firms expect the guards to work twelve hours a day.V n
I can't talk to you right nowI'm working...V
He was working at his desk...V
Some firms expect the guards to work twelve hours a day.V n
4n-uncountYour work consists of the things you are paid or required to do in your job.
We're supposed to be running a business here. I've got work to do..., I used to take work home, but I don't do it any more..., There have been days when I have finished work at 2pm.
We're supposed to be running a business here. I've got work to do..., I used to take work home, but I don't do it any more..., There have been days when I have finished work at 2pm.
5verbWhen you work, you spend time and effort doing a task that needs to be done or trying to achieve something.
Linda spends all her time working on the garden...V prep
The most important reason for coming to university is to work for a degree...V prep
The government expressed hope that all the sides will work towards a political solution.V prep
Work is also a noun., n-uncount
There was a lot of work to do on their house..., We hadn't appreciated how much work was involved in organizing a wedding...
Linda spends all her time working on the garden...V prep
The most important reason for coming to university is to work for a degree...V prep
The government expressed hope that all the sides will work towards a political solution.V prep
Work is also a noun., n-uncount
There was a lot of work to do on their house..., We hadn't appreciated how much work was involved in organizing a wedding...
6n-uncountWork is the place where you do your job.
usu to/at N
Many people travel to work by car..., She told her friends at work that she was trying to lose weight.
usu to/at N
Many people travel to work by car..., She told her friends at work that she was trying to lose weight.
7n-uncountWork is something which you produce as a result of an activity or as a result of doing your job.
oft poss/adj N
It can help to have an impartial third party look over your work..., Tidiness in the workshop is really essential for producing good work...
oft poss/adj N
It can help to have an impartial third party look over your work..., Tidiness in the workshop is really essential for producing good work...
8n-countA work is something such as a painting, book, or piece of music produced by an artist, writer, or composer.
usu with supp
In my opinion, this is Rembrandt's greatest work...
usu with supp
In my opinion, this is Rembrandt's greatest work...
9verbIf someone is working on a particular subject or question, they are studying or researching it.
Professor Bonnet has been working for many years on molecules of this type.V on n
Work is also a noun., n-uncount
Their work shows that one-year-olds are much more likely to have allergies if either parent smokes.
Professor Bonnet has been working for many years on molecules of this type.V on n
Work is also a noun., n-uncount
Their work shows that one-year-olds are much more likely to have allergies if either parent smokes.
10verbIf you workwith a person or a group of people, you spend time and effort trying to help them in some way.
She spent a period of time working with people dying of cancer...V with/among n
Work is also a noun., n-uncountwith supp, usu poss N, N with/among n
She became involved in social and relief work among the refugees.
She spent a period of time working with people dying of cancer...V with/among n
Work is also a noun., n-uncountwith supp, usu poss N, N with/among n
She became involved in social and relief work among the refugees.
11verbIf a machine or piece of equipment works, it operates and performs a particular function.
The pump doesn't work and we have no running water...V
The pump doesn't work and we have no running water...V
12verbIf an idea, system, or way of doing something works, it is successful, effective, or satisfactory.
95 per cent of these diets do not work...V
A methodical approach works best.V adv
95 per cent of these diets do not work...V
A methodical approach works best.V adv
13verbIf a drug or medicine works, it produces a particular physical effect.
I wake at 6am as the sleeping pill doesn't work for more than nine hours...V
The drug works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.V prep/adv
I wake at 6am as the sleeping pill doesn't work for more than nine hours...V
The drug works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.V prep/adv
14verbIf something works in your favour, it helps you in some way. If something works to your disadvantage, it causes problems for you in some way.
One factor thought to have worked in his favour is his working class image...V prep
One factor thought to have worked in his favour is his working class image...V prep
15verbIf something or someone works their magic or works their charms on a person, they have a powerful positive effect on them.
Nevertheless, she is always optimistic about the possibilities and can work her charm on the disenchanted...V n on n
Nevertheless, she is always optimistic about the possibilities and can work her charm on the disenchanted...V n on n
16verbIf your mind or brain is working, you are thinking about something or trying to solve a problem.
My mind was working frantically, running over the events of the evening.V
My mind was working frantically, running over the events of the evening.V
17verbIf you work on an assumption or idea, you act as if it were true or base other ideas on it, until you have more information.
We are working on the assumption that it was a gas explosion.V on n
We are working on the assumption that it was a gas explosion.V on n
18verbIf you work a particular area or type of place, you travel around that area or work in those places as part of your job, for example trying to sell something there.
Brand has been working the clubs and the pubs since 1986, developing her comedy act...V n
Brand has been working the clubs and the pubs since 1986, developing her comedy act...V n
19verbIf you work someone, you make them spend time and effort doing a particular activity or job.
They're working me too hard. I'm too old for this...V n adv/prep
They're working me too hard. I'm too old for this...V n adv/prep
20verbIf someone, often a politician or entertainer, works a crowd, they create a good relationship with the people in the crowd and get their support or interest.
The Prime Minister has an ability to work a crowdsome might even suggest it is a kind of charm...V n
The Prime Minister has an ability to work a crowdsome might even suggest it is a kind of charm...V n
21verbWhen people work the land, they do all the tasks involved in growing crops.
Farmers worked the fertile valleys.V n
Farmers worked the fertile valleys.V n
22verbWhen a mine is worked, minerals such as coal or gold are removed from it.
The mines had first been worked in 1849, when gold was discovered in California...be V-ed
The mines had first been worked in 1849, when gold was discovered in California...be V-ed
23verbIf you work a machine or piece of equipment, you use or control it.
[=operate]
Many adults still depend on their children to work the video.V n
Many adults still depend on their children to work the video.V n
24verbIf something works into a particular state or condition, it gradually moves so that it is in that state or condition.
A screw had worked loose from my glasses.V adj
A screw had worked loose from my glasses.V adj
25verbIf you work a substance such as dough or clay, you keep pressing it to make it have a particular texture.
Work the dough with the palm of your hand until it is very smooth...V n
Work the dough with the palm of your hand until it is very smooth...V n
26verbIf you work a material such as metal, leather, or stone, you cut, sew, or shape it in order to make something or to create a design.
...the machines needed to extract and work the raw stone.V n
...the machines needed to extract and work the raw stone.V n
27verbIf you work a part of your body, or if it works, you move it.
Each position will work the muscles in a different way...V n
Her mouth was working in her sleep.V
Each position will work the muscles in a different way...V n
Her mouth was working in her sleep.V
28n-count-collA works is a place where something is manufactured or where an industrial process is carried out. Works is used to refer to one or to more than one of these places.
usu n N, N n
The steel works could be seen for miles.
usu n N, N n
The steel works could be seen for miles.
29n-pluralWorks are activities such as digging the ground or building on a large scale.
usu supp N
...six years of disruptive building works, road construction and urban development.
usu supp N
...six years of disruptive building works, road construction and urban development.
30
working
working
31If someone is at work they are doing their job or are busy doing a particular activity.
at workphraseusu v-link PHR
The salvage teams are already hard at work trying to deal with the spilled oil..., Television cameras were invited in to film him at work.
at workphraseusu v-link PHR
The salvage teams are already hard at work trying to deal with the spilled oil..., Television cameras were invited in to film him at work.
32If a force or process is at work, it is having a particular influence or effect.
at workphraseusu v-link PHR
It is important to understand the powerful economic and social forces at work behind our own actions.
at workphraseusu v-link PHR
It is important to understand the powerful economic and social forces at work behind our own actions.
33If you say that you will have your work cut outto do something, you mean that it will be a very difficult task.
to have your work cut outphraseV inflects, oft PHR for n, PHR to-inf
The new administration has its work cut out for it. Creating jobs in this kind of environment is not going to be easy..., He will have his work cut out to get into the team.
to have your work cut outphraseV inflects, oft PHR for n, PHR to-inf
The new administration has its work cut out for it. Creating jobs in this kind of environment is not going to be easy..., He will have his work cut out to get into the team.
34If something is in the works, it has already been planned or begun.
[mainly AM]
in the worksphraseusu n PHR, v-link PHR
He said there were dozens of economic plans in the works...
in BRIT, usually use in the pipeline
[mainly AM]
in the worksphraseusu n PHR, v-link PHR
He said there were dozens of economic plans in the works...
in BRIT, usually use in the pipeline
35You can use work to talk about how easily or quickly a particular task is done. For example, if a person or thing makes short work of doing something or makes light work of it, they do it quickly and easily.
to make short/light/heavy/easy/quick work of sthphraseV inflects, PHR -ing/n
An aerosol spray will make short work of painting awkward objects..., This horse made light work of the cross-country course...
to make short/light/heavy/easy/quick work of sthphraseV inflects, PHR -ing/n
An aerosol spray will make short work of painting awkward objects..., This horse made light work of the cross-country course...
36If you put someone to work or set them to work, you give them a job or task to do.
to put/set sb to workphraseV inflects, oft PHR prep, PHR -ing
By stimulating the economy, we're going to put people to work..., Instead of sending them to prison, we have set them to work helping the lemon growers.
to put/set sb to workphraseV inflects, oft PHR prep, PHR -ing
By stimulating the economy, we're going to put people to work..., Instead of sending them to prison, we have set them to work helping the lemon growers.
37If you get to work, go to work, or set to workon a job, task, or problem, you start doing it or dealing with it.
get/go/set to workphraseV inflects, oft PHR on n
He promised to get to work on the state's massive deficit..., He returned to America where he set to work on a new novel.
get/go/set to workphraseV inflects, oft PHR on n
He promised to get to work on the state's massive deficit..., He returned to America where he set to work on a new novel.
38If you work your way somewhere, you move or progress there slowly, and with a lot of effort or work.
to work your way swhphraseV inflects, PHR prep/adv
Rescuers were still working their way towards the trapped men..., Many personnel managers started as secretaries or personnel assistants and worked their way up.
to work your way swhphraseV inflects, PHR prep/adv
Rescuers were still working their way towards the trapped men..., Many personnel managers started as secretaries or personnel assistants and worked their way up.
39
to throw a spanner in the works
spannerwork in, work intophrasal verbIf you work one substance into another or work it in, you add it to the other substance and mix the two together thoroughly.
Gradually pour the liquid into the flour, working it in carefully with a wooden spoon...V n P
Work in the potato and milk until the mixture comes together...V P n [not pron]
Work the oil gradually into the yolks with a wooden spoon.V n P nwork off
to throw a spanner in the works
spannerwork in, work intophrasal verbIf you work one substance into another or work it in, you add it to the other substance and mix the two together thoroughly.
Gradually pour the liquid into the flour, working it in carefully with a wooden spoon...V n P
Work in the potato and milk until the mixture comes together...V P n [not pron]
Work the oil gradually into the yolks with a wooden spoon.V n P nwork off
1phrasal verbIf you work off energy, stress, or anger, you get rid of it by doing something that requires a lot of physical effort.
She went for a brisk walk to work off her frustration...V P n [not pron]
If I've had a bad day I'll work it off by cooking.V n P
She went for a brisk walk to work off her frustration...V P n [not pron]
If I've had a bad day I'll work it off by cooking.V n P
2phrasal verbIf you work off a debt, you repay it by working.
The report proposes that students be allowed to work off their debt through community service...V P n [not pron]
There were heavy debts. It would take half Edward's lifetime to work them off.V n Pwork out
The report proposes that students be allowed to work off their debt through community service...V P n [not pron]
There were heavy debts. It would take half Edward's lifetime to work them off.V n Pwork out
1phrasal verbIf you work out a solution to a problem or mystery, you manage to find the solution by thinking or talking about it.
[=figure out]
Negotiators are due to meet later today to work out a compromise...V P n [not pron]
It took me some time to work out what was causing this...V P wh
`How will you contact me?'`We haven't worked that out yet.'V n PIf you have something all worked out, you have thought about it carefully, and know exactly what you are going to do or exactly what you want.
to have sth all worked outphrasehave inflects
I had the ideal man all worked out in my mind.
Negotiators are due to meet later today to work out a compromise...V P n [not pron]
It took me some time to work out what was causing this...V P wh
`How will you contact me?'`We haven't worked that out yet.'V n PIf you have something all worked out, you have thought about it carefully, and know exactly what you are going to do or exactly what you want.
to have sth all worked outphrasehave inflects
I had the ideal man all worked out in my mind.
2phrasal verbIf you work out the answer to a mathematical problem, you calculate it.
[=calculate]
It is proving hard to work out the value of bankrupt firms' assets...V P n [not pron]
When asked what a £40.35 meal for five people would cost each diner, they were unable to work it out.V n P
It is proving hard to work out the value of bankrupt firms' assets...V P n [not pron]
When asked what a £40.35 meal for five people would cost each diner, they were unable to work it out.V n P
3phrasal verbIf something works outat a particular amount, it is calculated to be that amount after all the facts and figures have been considered.
The price per pound works out at £3.20...V P at amount
It will probably work out cheaper to hire a van and move your own things.V P adj
The price per pound works out at £3.20...V P at amount
It will probably work out cheaper to hire a van and move your own things.V P adj
4phrasal verbIf a situation works out well or works out, it happens or progresses in a satisfactory way.
Things just didn't work out as planned...V P prep/adv
One of the ways people experience loss is when relationships don't work out.V P
Things just didn't work out as planned...V P prep/adv
One of the ways people experience loss is when relationships don't work out.V P
5phrasal verbIf a process worksitselfout, it reaches a conclusion or satisfactory end.
People involved in it think it's a nightmare, but I'm sure it will work itself out.V pron-refl P
People involved in it think it's a nightmare, but I'm sure it will work itself out.V pron-refl P
6phrasal verbIf you work out your service or your notice, you continue to work at your job until you have completed a specified period of time.
There was an interim before her successor actually came because she had to work out her notice.V P n [not pron], Also V n P
There was an interim before her successor actually came because she had to work out her notice.V P n [not pron], Also V n P
7phrasal verbIf you work out, you do physical exercises in order to make your body fit and strong.
[=exercise]
Work out at a gym or swim twice a week.V P
Work out at a gym or swim twice a week.V P
8
workoutwork up
workoutwork up
1phrasal verbIf you workyourselfup, you make yourself feel very upset or angry about something.
She worked herself up into a bit of a state...V pron-refl P into/to n
Don't just lie there working yourself up, do something about it.V pron-refl P
worked up
She worked herself up into a bit of a state...V pron-refl P into/to n
Don't just lie there working yourself up, do something about it.V pron-refl P
worked up
2phrasal verbIf you work up the enthusiasm or courage to do something, you succeed in making yourself feel it.
Your creative talents can also be put to good use, if you can work up the energy...V P n [not pron]
Your creative talents can also be put to good use, if you can work up the energy...V P n [not pron]
3phrasal verbIf you work up a sweat or an appetite, you make yourself sweaty or hungry by doing exercise or hard work.
You can really work up a sweat doing housework...V P n [not pron]
You can really work up a sweat doing housework...V P n [not pron]
4phrasal verbIf you work up something such as a piece of writing, you spend time and effort preparing it.
I sketched the layout of a prototype store and worked up a business plan...V P n [not pron]
I sketched the layout of a prototype store and worked up a business plan...V P n [not pron]
course work, coursework
Course work is work that students do during a course, rather than in exams, especially work that counts towards a student's final grade.n-uncount
Some 20 per cent of marks are awarded for coursework.
Course work is work that students do during a course, rather than in exams, especially work that counts towards a student's final grade.n-uncount
Some 20 per cent of marks are awarded for coursework.
donkey work
If you do thedonkey work, you do the hard work or the less interesting part of the work that needs to be done.
[BRIT]
INFORMALn-singusu the N
If you do thedonkey work, you do the hard work or the less interesting part of the work that needs to be done.
[BRIT]
INFORMALn-singusu the N
life's work
Someone's life's work or life work is the main activity that they have been involved in during their life, or their most important achievement.n-singusu poss N
An exhibition of his life's work is being shown in the garden of his home..., My father's life work was devoted to the conservation of the Longleat estate.
Someone's life's work or life work is the main activity that they have been involved in during their life, or their most important achievement.n-singusu poss N
An exhibition of his life's work is being shown in the garden of his home..., My father's life work was devoted to the conservation of the Longleat estate.
out of work
Someone who is out of work does not have a job.adj [=unemployed]
...a town where half the men are usually out of work., ...an out of work actor.
Someone who is out of work does not have a job.adj [=unemployed]
...a town where half the men are usually out of work., ...an out of work actor.
social work
Social work is work which involves giving help and advice to people with serious family problems or financial problems.n-uncount
Social work is work which involves giving help and advice to people with serious family problems or financial problems.n-uncount
work-in-progress
In book-keeping, work-in-progress refers to the monetary value of work that has not yet been paid for because it has not yet been completed.[BUSINESS]n-uncount
...five million pounds' worth of finished goods and two million pounds' worth of work-in-progress.
In book-keeping, work-in-progress refers to the monetary value of work that has not yet been paid for because it has not yet been completed.[BUSINESS]n-uncount
...five million pounds' worth of finished goods and two million pounds' worth of work-in-progress.
work-life balance
Your work-life balance is how you organize your days, for example how many hours you spend at work, and how much time you spend with friends or doing things you enjoy.n-uncount
Senior managers stipulated work-life balance as their main criterion when choosing jobs.
Your work-life balance is how you organize your days, for example how many hours you spend at work, and how much time you spend with friends or doing things you enjoy.n-uncount
Senior managers stipulated work-life balance as their main criterion when choosing jobs.
work of art[works of artplural]
1n-countA work of art is a painting or piece of sculpture which is of high quality.
...a collection of works of art of international significance.
...a collection of works of art of international significance.
2n-countA work of art is something which is very complex or which has been skilfully made or produced.
The actual nest is a work of art.
The actual nest is a work of art.
work-shy, workshy
If you describe someone as work-shy, you disapprove of them because you think they are lazy and do not want to work.
[BRIT]adjusu ADJ n[disapproval] [=lazy]
If you describe someone as work-shy, you disapprove of them because you think they are lazy and do not want to work.
[BRIT]adjusu ADJ n[disapproval] [=lazy]
work surface[work surfacesplural], worksurfaceA work surface is a flat surface, usually in a kitchen, which is easy to clean and on which you can do things such as prepare food.n-count
work week[work weeksplural]A work week is the amount of time during a normal week which you spend doing your job.
[mainly AM]n-count
The union had sought a wage increase and a shorter work week.
in BRIT, usually use working week
[mainly AM]n-count
The union had sought a wage increase and a shorter work week.
in BRIT, usually use working week
-
grunt work n.grunt work is hard, uninteresting work
US informal - shovel list n."It's a list of all the people and things I hate so much I want to hit them in the face with a shovel." Concept coming from the Marian Keyes novel, The Mystery of Mercy Close [2012].
-
WIP n.Work In Progress
can be used as an adjectif : this program is WIP -
a bang up job exp.work perfectly performed
When I asked the students to do their homework, they did a bang up job. - crap around exp.1.act silly; 2. avoid work
-
Wirk v.A culture of internet only jobs has coined the phrase Wirk. Wirk simply means Internet Work.
Internet work is defined by job opportunities that did not exist before the rise of the internet and furthermore the work is likely to be carried out over the internet and payment received for work undertaken via the internet.
Wirk describes both full time and part time internet work. Because of the nature of Wirk and the ability for anyone that has internet connection to earn money from Wirk, it is currently more likely to be a part time occupation than full time.
Paid Online Questionnaires, Content Writing, Search Marketing are all examples of Wirk.
This is a term rising in popularity - NSFW abbr. acron.Short for "not safe for work".
-
darg n.1. [UK] a day's work ; a task for a day 2. [Aus.] a fixed or definite amount of work ; a work quota.
formed by syncope from day-work. The tenants are subject to a darg [or day's work] for every acre. - blogroll n.A list of blogs on a blog [usually placed in the sidebar of a blog] that reads as a list of recommendations by the blogger of other blogs.
- unfriend v.remove someone from the friends list on a social networking website
-
unfriend v.remove/delete someone from a list of friends or contacts on a social networking website
Ex: Although he broke up with his girlfriend, he hasn't unfriended her yet. - copyleft n.1. using copyright law to make a piece of work freely available and allowing its free distribution and modification [as long as its derivate versions follow the same copyright rules]
- workover n.work and operations made in drilling for maintaining petroleum or Gas wells effective
-
plug and play adj.1. [Comp.] a device that once plugged in is automatically recognized by the system and launches the expected process without any action on the user's side; 2. [Bus.] a new employee who is able to start work without too much induction and training
can be used as both noun and adjective: plug and play device; plug and play employee or simply plug and play [noun] -
follow-the-sun n.a type of work that goes on 24 hours from 24 hours because the teams performing it are located in various time zones.
E.g: Some claim that follow-the-sun is a business failure. It can be used also as a verb [Our team follows the sun ] or as an adjective [We offer follow-the-sun business support] .
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Alphabetical index
- work in
- work out
- work up
- at work
Welcome to English-Cobuild Collins dictionary ["Collins Cobuild English Dictionary for Advanced Learners 4th edition published in 2003 © HarperCollins Publishers 1987, 1995, 2001, 2003 and Collins A-Z Thesaurus 1st edition first published in 1995 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995"].
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