WordGarden.ioemployable
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛmplˈɔɪəbəl/
US
- /ɛmˈplɔɪəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
having the skills or qualities needed to get or keep a job
able to be used or put into service
Beyond the definition
To be employable isn't just about wanting a job. It means having the skills, qualities, and experience that make an employer want to hire you. Think of a carpenter with years of experience building houses; they are highly employable because they have done the work well before. It also means being reliable, adaptable, and willing to learn. A recent college graduate might be eager for work, but they may still need some practical experience to become truly employable in a competitive field. The word often comes up in discussions about education, job training, and the state of the workforce.
Imagine a young inventor who builds amazing robots in their garage. They have real talent, but if they can't communicate their ideas or work as part of a team, they may not seem fully employable in a company setting. It's not enough to be good at something; you also need to show that value in a way an employer can use.
The word employable describes someone who has the qualities and qualifications necessary to get a job. It goes beyond simply being available for work; it implies possessing the skills, experience, and personal attributes that employers actively seek. Think of it like a toolkit: you might be ready to work, but if your toolkit is empty or contains the wrong tools for the job, you aren't yet employable for that specific role.
Being employable often involves having specific technical skills related to a particular field—such as coding for a software engineer, welding for a construction worker, or accounting for a financial analyst. However, it also encompasses "soft skills" like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. In today's rapidly changing job market, the ability to learn new things quickly is increasingly important for remaining employable as old roles evolve or disappear.
You'll often hear this word used in discussions about education and workforce development. Governments and organizations invest in programs designed to make people more employable by providing training, apprenticeships, and career counseling. The concept also highlights the importance of continuous learning throughout one's career—staying up-to-date with industry trends and acquiring new skills to remain competitive.
For example: "The university offers courses specifically designed to increase students' employability." Or, "With automation increasing, workers need to focus on developing skills that will keep them employable in the future." It's a crucial concept for anyone navigating the world of work—understanding what employers want and actively working to develop those qualities.
Examples
- 1
Education and experience
With her degree and internship experience, she was highly employable after graduation.
- 2
Career skills
In a fast-changing industry, you have to keep learning to stay employable.
- 3
Resume gap
He worried that a two-year gap on his resume would make him less employable.
- 4
Job training
The program teaches practical skills that can help young people become more employable.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Ongoing learning
Even late in his career, he took online courses so he could remain employable.
See also
Similar
- hireable
- job-ready
- qualified
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- employable skills
- highly employable
- make someone employable
- remain employable
Word family
Explore
- job market
- transferable skills
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- employableadjectivenoun