employed
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɪmˈplɔɪd/
KK: /ɪmˈplɔɪd/
adjective
Definition
Having a job or being in a position where one works for pay.
Example
She is currently employed at a local restaurant.
Conversation
Have you heard if Mike is still employed?
Yeah, he just got a promotion at his job!
That's great news! I hope he's happy being employed there.
I'm sure he is; he always talks about how much he enjoys it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
engaged
utilized
occupied
Antonyms
unemployed
idle
disengaged
verb
Definition
To have a job or work for someone in exchange for money.
Example
She has been employed at the company for five years.
Tense Forms
Past: employed
Past Participle: employed
Conversation
Did you hear that Sarah got employed at that tech company?
Yeah, I heard! That's such great news for her.
I know, right? She worked so hard to get employed there.
Root Explanation
Employed → It is formed from "employ" (from Old French *employer*, meaning to use or make use of) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a state or condition). The word "employed" means being in a state of having a job or being used for a purpose.
Memory Tip
Think of 'making use of' ('employ') something, and the '-ed' shows that it is in a state of being used — that's why employed means having a job.
Visually Confused Words
unemployed
templed