English Reference
noun

recruitment

n.
US /ɹəˈkɹutmənt/ UK /ɹɪkɹˈuːtmənt/ re·cruit·ment UK spelling recruitments

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the process of finding and hiring new people to join a company or organization.

    the process of finding and selecting new employees or members for an organization.

    Simple

    The company is focusing on recruitment to find the best talent for the new office.

    In context

    The HR department has overhauled its recruitment strategy to better target graduates with specialized technical backgrounds.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of getting people to join the army, navy, or air force.

    the process of enlisting people for service in the armed forces.

    Simple

    Military recruitment usually increases during times of national crisis.

    In context

    The government launched a nationwide recruitment drive to bolster the reserve forces ahead of the scheduled training exercises.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the process where new young animals or plants are added to a population.

    the addition of new individuals to a population through birth, settling, or reaching a certain age/size.

    Simple

    Marine biologists are worried about the low recruitment of young fish in the reef this year.

    In context

    The study analyzed the recruitment patterns of oak seedlings to determine how local deer populations affected forest regeneration.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    the way the body activates more cells or parts to handle a task, like breathing or hearing.

    the activation of additional units or cells to perform a physiological function, such as lung aeration or muscle fiber engagement.

    Simple

    The doctor used a special machine to help with lung recruitment in the patient.

    In context

    Alveolar recruitment maneuvers are often employed in intensive care settings to improve oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In the southern Penza region, where some of the most aggressive draft methods have been reported, videos posted online have shown men being driven away in vans as relatives protested outside recruitment offices.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Have you encountered AI-driven recruitment systems or online application processes that you feel have made it even harder to get an interview?

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated