working
adjective [ before noun ]
uk/ˈwɜːkɪŋ/ usused to describe people who work and earn money:
Too many working people are piling up debt on high-interest credit cards.
When employers ignore health and safety regulations, working men and women are needlessly put at risk.
Child care costs can be a significant burden for a working couple with children.
working couples/families/mothers
used to describe someone who does a job that usually is not very well paid and usually does not need a very high level of education:
a working man/woman
In our celebrity-obsessed culture, the values of the ordinary working man are being ignored.
relating to someone's job, or to work in general:
Older people encounter much prejudice about their ability to adapt to new working methods.
My manager and I have developed a close working relationship.
a working environment/culture
used to describe a plan, idea, or knowledge that is not complete but that is satisfactory for now:
The working title of her book is "Attracting Wealth".
Applicants will need a working knowledge of French and Spanish.
a working assumption/hypothesis/definition
used to describe a machine or the parts of a machine that move and operate it:
After three failed prototypes, we finally have a working model.
MEETINGS
used to describe a meal at which you also work or discuss business:
a working breakfast/lunch/dinner
Over a working lunch the HR team and a local architect studied office refurbishment plans.
be in (good) working order
a machine or piece of equipment that is in good working order works safely and effectively:
All our vehicles are in good and efficient working order.
See also
hard-working
working
noun
uk/ˈwɜːkɪŋ/ us [ U ]
the activity of doing work:
Our method of working involves one-to-one feedback.
workings
[ plural ]
the way in which a machine or system works, and the parts and processes involved:
You will need to develop a strong understanding of the internal workings of the organization.
See also
collaborative working
flexible working