contractor
n.-
1 construction/building (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea person or company that manages a building project or does specific work like plumbing or electrical tasks.
a professional or firm that undertakes a contract to provide materials and labour for a construction project.
ExampleThe contractor promised that the new kitchen would be finished by the end of the month.
ExampleThe general contractor coordinated several teams of electricians and plumbers to ensure the office renovation met the strict safety codes.
Usageoften used with 'independent' or 'general' to specify the scope of work.
- builder
- tradesperson
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2 freelance/temporary worker (n.) C1 Advanced Formalsomeone hired by a company to do a specific job for a limited time, rather than being a permanent employee.
an individual hired on a fixed-term basis to perform professional services, operating as an external entity rather than a staff member.
ExampleThe software company hired a contractor to help them finish the new app.
ExampleBy hiring an independent contractor instead of a full-time developer, the startup managed to reduce its long-term overhead costs during the initial launch phase.
Usagefrequently appears in the phrase 'independent contractor' for legal and tax purposes.
Borrowed from Late Latin contractor, from Latin contract-, stem of contractus + -tor. First attested in the 16th century.
- Nouncontractor
- Nounsubcontractor