17 Other Ways to Say Work | Work Synonyms (Examples)

Work is something everyone deals with every day. It can mean your job, your effort, or anything you do to get something done. Sometimes, using the same word again and again can sound boring. That's why it helps to know other words like job, task, duty, or project. In this article, you'll find 17 great synonyms for work with meanings and examples.

Synonym	Meaning	Example
Job	Regular work or position someone does to earn money	She found a new job at a tech company.
Task	A piece of work that needs to be done	My main task today is to finish the report.
Duty	A responsibility or something you must do	It's my duty to check the office emails every morning.
Assignment	A specific job or piece of work given to someone	The teacher gave us an assignment about world history.
Project	A planned piece of work with a goal	Our new project will start next month.
Labor	Hard physical or mental effort	Building that bridge took months of labor.
Effort	The energy you put into doing something	She showed great effort in completing her goals.
Employment	Having paid work	His employment at the firm started last year.
Occupation	A person's main job or profession	Teaching is her main occupation.
Profession	A job that needs special skills or education	Law is a respected profession.
Career	A person's long-term work life	He's building a strong career in engineering.
Chore	A small or routine job, often at home	Washing dishes is my least favorite chore.
Endeavor	A serious effort to achieve something	His new business endeavor turned out great.
Mission	A special goal or purpose someone wants to achieve	Their mission is to help children in need.
Operation	An organized activity or process	The company started a new mining operation.
Craft	Work that involves making things by hand	Pottery is a beautiful craft.
Business	Work related to trade or managing a company	She runs her own online business.

17 Different Ways to Say WORK: Another Word for WORK

1. Job

A job is something most people have to earn a living. It can be full-time or part-time and is often something you do regularly. This word fits when talking about your position at a company or any work that earns money. A job gives you structure and purpose every day. It's one of the most common words people use for work. When you talk about your job, it usually means what you do for income.

I started a new job last week.
His job keeps him busy all day.
That job looks perfect for me.

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2. Task

A task is a specific piece of work you need to complete. It's smaller than a job and often part of a bigger goal. You can have daily tasks at home, school, or work. This word is useful when you talk about things that require attention or effort. People often make to-do lists to track their tasks. Tasks can be simple or complex, depending on the situation. It's a flexible word that fits many areas of life.

My main task is to finish the budget report.
Cleaning the garage was not an easy task.
She finished her tasks before lunch.

3. Duty

Duty means something you are responsible for doing, often because of your role or job. It's a word that shows responsibility and commitment. You might hear it in workplaces, schools, or even family life. Doing your duty means doing what's expected of you. It can also mean a moral or social responsibility, not just work. People take pride in doing their duty well. It's a word that shows trust and dependability.

It's my duty to help the team succeed.
A teacher's duty is to guide students.
He takes his duty very seriously.

4. Assignment

An assignment is a specific piece of work given to you by someone, usually in school or at work. It can be a report, a project, or any task with a deadline. This word is great for formal or professional settings. Assignments often test your knowledge or skills. They can be individual or group-based, depending on the situation. Doing your assignments well shows responsibility and focus.

The boss gave me a new assignment this morning.
Her latest assignment is about company growth.
I completed my school assignment early.

5. Project

A project is a planned set of tasks meant to achieve a goal. It can be at work, school, or even at home. Projects often take time, teamwork, and good planning. People use this word when talking about something that has a clear start and finish. It's a useful term for creative or professional goals. Projects help you learn and grow as you complete them.

We started a new design project last week.
Her science project won first prize.
That project took three months to complete.

6. Labor

Labor means hard physical or mental work. It's often used when describing tough or tiring effort. This word fits when you talk about construction, farming, or factory work. Labor can also mean effort in general, not just physical. It shows the strength and time someone puts into what they do. People who labor with care often achieve great things.

Building the house took months of labor.
His success came after years of hard labor.
The workers completed their labor before sunset.

7. Effort

Effort is about the energy or power you use to do something. It focuses on trying, not just finishing. People respect those who show good effort even if the result isn't perfect. This word fits for school, work, or personal goals. When you give your best effort, it shows passion and dedication. Effort turns small steps into big success.

She put a lot of effort into her presentation.
With a little more effort, you can win.
His effort made the project a success.

8. Employment

Employment means having a paid job. It's used when talking about being hired or working for a company. It's a formal word often used in offices or legal documents. Employment also shows stability and growth in a person's career. When you have employment, it means you're part of a workforce. It connects to both income and responsibility.

His employment at the firm started last month.
The city has many new employment opportunities.
She's seeking full-time employment.

9. Occupation

Occupation means your main job or the kind of work you do. It's used in forms, surveys, or conversations about careers. It shows your main area of focus in life. This word suits professional or official contexts. It can also show identity since people often connect with their occupation strongly. Occupation adds a formal touch when talking about work.

His occupation is mechanical engineer.
She listed her occupation as artist.
That occupation requires special training.

10. Profession

Profession is a word for jobs that need special study or skills, like doctor, lawyer, or teacher. It means you're trained in a certain area. A profession also brings respect and trust. It's often something you build over time. When you work in a profession, it's more than just a job — it's a part of who you are.

Teaching is a noble profession.
She entered the medical profession last year.
His profession demands long hours of study.

11. Career

A career is your long-term work life. It includes all the jobs and experiences you have over time. It's not just one position but your whole path in work. People plan their careers carefully to grow and achieve goals. Building a career takes patience and effort. It shows progress, success, and personal growth.

He's growing his career in marketing.
My career started in a small company.
She's proud of her career achievements.

12. Chore

A chore is a small routine job, often done at home. It can be cleaning, cooking, or taking out the trash. Chores keep things running smoothly in daily life. Though small, they teach responsibility. People often divide chores among family members. Doing your chores on time helps build good habits.

I did my chores before watching TV.
Washing clothes is my least favorite chore.
He forgot his morning chore again.

13. Endeavor

Endeavor means trying hard to do something meaningful. It's a word that shows ambition and hope. People use it when they aim to reach big goals. An endeavor can be starting a company, writing a book, or learning a skill. It shows determination and purpose. Endeavor adds strength to your effort.

His new business endeavor succeeded fast.
We support their scientific endeavor.
Every creative endeavor starts with passion.

14. Mission

A mission is a strong goal or purpose you want to achieve. It can be personal or professional. Companies use it to define what they stand for. People use it when they feel driven by something important. Having a mission gives direction and motivation. It turns work into something that matters.

Their mission is to protect wildlife.
My mission is to help others grow.
The team completed their mission on time.

15. Operation

Operation means an organized process or activity with a goal. It can describe business activities, plans, or even rescue work. It shows that something is running smoothly with effort and teamwork. Operations need careful planning and structure. This word fits in formal or business talks.

The new operation started last week.
Our factory operation expanded to three cities.
The rescue operation saved many lives.

16. Craft

Craft means skilled work where you make something with care. It often relates to handmade work like art, pottery, or woodwork. A craft takes time and patience to master. It's both creative and practical. People who work on their craft show focus and love for detail. Craft is work done with both heart and hands.

She practices the craft of jewelry making.
His craft skills are amazing.
Learning this craft takes years.

17. Business

Business means work related to trade, selling, or running a company. It's about making and managing products or services. People who run a business handle many tasks daily. It can be small or big, but it always needs planning and effort. Business is about ideas, growth, and taking action.

She started her own business online.
Running a business takes courage.
His business grew fast last year.

Final Thoughts

There are many great ways to say work. Each synonym has its own feeling and fits different situations. Whether you talk about your job, effort, or goal, choosing the right word makes your thoughts stronger and more interesting.