IELTS Vocabulary: Employment and Work
Key IELTS words for discussing careers, workplaces, and labor markets.
15 words — Band 6 to Band 8+
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Band 6Band 6 Vocabulary
unemployment
The state of being without a job
“Youth unemployment has reached alarming levels.”
productivity
The effectiveness of productive effort
“Remote work has not reduced productivity as feared.”
occupational
Relating to a job or profession
“Occupational health standards protect workers from hazards.”
freelance
Working independently rather than for an employer
“The gig economy has increased freelance opportunities.”
Band 7Band 7 Vocabulary
outsourcing
Obtaining goods or services from an outside supplier
“Many companies outsource customer service to reduce costs.”
entrepreneurship
The activity of setting up businesses
“Entrepreneurship drives innovation and job creation.”
redundancy
Dismissal from a job due to it no longer being needed
“Automation has led to widespread redundancies in manufacturing.”
remuneration
Payment for work or services
“Competitive remuneration helps attract top talent.”
appraisal
A formal assessment of performance
“Annual appraisals help employees identify areas for growth.”
turnover
The rate at which employees leave a company
“High staff turnover indicates poor working conditions.”
Band 8+Band 8+ Vocabulary
meritocratic
Based on talent and effort rather than privilege
“A meritocratic workplace rewards performance over seniority.”
remit
The area of responsibility or authority
“The new role expanded her professional remit significantly.”
sabbatical
A period of paid leave for study or travel
“She took a sabbatical to pursue research abroad.”
tenure
The holding of an office or guaranteed employment
“He was granted tenure after years of published research.”
attrition
Gradual reduction of workforce through resignations
“The company reduced staff through natural attrition.”
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