1 em·ploy
Pronounced:
/ɪmˈploɪ/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
em·ploys; em·ployed; em·ploy·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 somewhat formal a : to use (something) for a particular purpose or to do something ▪ She employed [=used] a pen for sketching wildlife. ▪ a method (widely/commonly/frequently) employed to improve garden soil ▪ The company is accused of employing questionable methods to obtain the contract. b : to use or direct (something, such as your time or effort) in order to achieve a particular goal ▪ You should find better ways to employ your time. ▪ Your time could be better employed [=spent] in learning a new skill.
2 a : to use or get the services of (someone) to do a particular job ▪ I had to employ a lawyer to review the contract. b : to provide (someone) with a job that pays wages or a salary ▪ It's a small company, employing a staff of only 20. ▪ He's employed by the local drugstore. [=he has a job at the local drugstore] ▪ She hasn't been gainfully employed [=hasn't had a job that pays wages or a salary] for a few years. —often + as ▪ She's been employed as a gardener for many years.
2 a : to use or get the services of (someone) to do a particular job ▪ I had to employ a lawyer to review the contract. b : to provide (someone) with a job that pays wages or a salary ▪ It's a small company, employing a staff of only 20. ▪ He's employed by the local drugstore. [=he has a job at the local drugstore] ▪ She hasn't been gainfully employed [=hasn't had a job that pays wages or a salary] for a few years. —often + as ▪ She's been employed as a gardener for many years.
—em·ploy·able /ɪmˈplojəbəl/ adjective [more em*ploy*able; most em*ploy*able] ▪ He lacks the skills needed to be employable.
/ɪmˈplojəbəl/ adjective [more em*ploy*able; most em*ploy*able] ▪ He lacks the skills needed to be employable.