Phrasal verb
hold down
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
hold down
Past
held down
Past participle
held down
Definition
phrasal verb. to manage to keep a job for a long time, especially when you have to work hard to do so.
phrasal verb. To maintain steady employment in a specific role or position. Transitive; typically collocates with 'job', 'position', or 'post'.
Examples
“He finds it difficult to hold down a job for more than a month.”
“Despite her health issues, she managed to hold down a part-time job while finishing her degree.”
“The candidate's inability to hold down a position for more than six months raised significant concerns during the interview process.”
Examples
simple
“He finds it difficult to hold down a job for more than a month.”
contextual
“Despite her health issues, she managed to hold down a part-time job while finishing her degree.”
complex
“The candidate's inability to hold down a position for more than six months raised significant concerns during the interview process.”
Usage
This phrase is almost exclusively used with objects related to employment like 'job' or 'role'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'keep down', which is used for food or prices, to help students avoid lexical confusion.
Pitfall
He can't keep down a job.
He can't hold down a job.
Learners often confuse 'hold down' with 'keep down', but the latter is used for food or controlling prices.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
hold + down + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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