Word
coworker
Phoneticsco·work·er, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkoʊˈwɝkɝ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. someone you work with, usually at the same level as you in a company.
n. a person with whom one works, typically in a professional or office environment. Often implies a peer relationship rather than a hierarchical one.
Examples
“I am going to lunch with a coworker today.”
“After the meeting, a coworker helped me finish the presentation so we could submit it before the deadline.”
“Maintaining professional boundaries with a coworker can be challenging when the collaborative nature of the project encourages a more personal friendship outside of office hours.”
Examples
simple
“I am going to lunch with a coworker today.”
contextual
“After the meeting, a coworker helped me finish the presentation so we could submit it before the deadline.”
complex
“Maintaining professional boundaries with a coworker can be challenging when the collaborative nature of the project encourages a more personal friendship outside of office hours.”
Usage
Commonly used in American English; 'colleague' is often preferred in British English or more formal contexts.
Pitfall
my workmate coworker
my coworker
Learners sometimes combine 'workmate' and 'coworker', but these are synonyms and should be used separately.
Etymology
From co- + worker.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/coworker