WordGarden.iovacancy
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈeɪkənsi/
US
- /ˈveɪkənsi/
Meanings
Noun
an available job, office, or position that has not been filled
the state of a room, building, seat, or rental unit being unoccupied
a blank or absent state of mind, attention, or expression
Beyond the definition
A vacancy is usually about an empty room, home, or job that is ready to be filled. Think of a "Vacancy" sign outside a motel: it means there are rooms open for guests. You can also talk about a job vacancy when a company needs a new worker. If someone moves out of an apartment, there is a vacancy until a new person moves in. In everyday English, the word often points to housing, hotels, offices, and work.
The word "vacancy" refers to a state of being empty or unfilled. It is most often used for rooms, apartments, hotel space, or jobs. When you see a "Vacancy" sign at a hotel or motel, it means there is a room available. When a company announces a vacancy, it means there is an open position that someone can apply for.
The word can also be used for official roles. If a judge retires or a government officer leaves, that departure creates a vacancy because the role is not filled. In this sense, the word does not just mean an empty space you can see; it can also mean an empty place in an organization or institution.
Less commonly, "vacancy" can mean emptiness in a more general or formal way, but that use is not the main one for learners. In most real situations, if you hear this word, it will probably be about a place to stay, a place to live, or a position that needs a person. So the idea behind the word is simple: something is open because no one is in it yet.
Examples
- 1
Hotel rooms
The hotel had no vacancies for the holiday weekend.
- 2
Job search
I saw a vacancy for a receptionist at the clinic and sent in my CV.
- 3
Hiring
After Kim retired, it took the company three months to fill the vacancy.
- Patternfill a vacancy
put someone into an empty job or position
- 4
City council
His resignation left a vacancy on the city council.
- Patternleave a vacancy on + group
make a position in that group empty
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Real estate
The office vacancy rate has fallen since more companies returned to the city center.
- Phrasevacancy rate
the percentage of offices, apartments, or rooms that are empty
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- filled position
- incumbent
Used with (collocations)
- job vacancy
- fill a vacancy
- advertise a vacancy
- vacancy announcement
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- vacancynoun
Forms
- vacanciespluralnoun