English Reference

Word

workplace

Phoneticswork·place, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈwɝkˌpɫeɪs/

UK/wˈɜːkpleɪs/

Countable noun

Definition

n. the building or room where you do your job. It can also mean the general environment and culture of a company.

n. a place, such as an office or factory, where people are employed to work. Often used to refer to the social or professional environment within an organisation.

Examples

“We are trying to create a more positive workplace.”

“Modern companies often provide flexible spaces in the workplace to help employees feel more comfortable and productive.”

“Legislation regarding safety in the workplace has evolved significantly to address not only physical hazards but also the psychological well-being of the staff.”

Examples

simple

“We are trying to create a more positive workplace.”

contextual

“Modern companies often provide flexible spaces in the workplace to help employees feel more comfortable and productive.”

complex

“Legislation regarding safety in the workplace has evolved significantly to address not only physical hazards but also the psychological well-being of the staff.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “workplace” in context.

Verb

01. enter the workplace

“Many graduates feel nervous when they first enter the workplace after university.”

verb + noun

02. transform the workplace

“New digital tools have completely transformed the workplace over the last decade.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. diverse workplace

“A diverse workplace brings together different perspectives and fosters innovation.”

adj + noun

04. toxic workplace

“She decided to resign because she could no longer tolerate the toxic workplace.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. diversity in the workplace

“The HR department is committed to promoting diversity in the workplace.”

noun + prep + noun

06. workplace culture

“The CEO is trying to build a workplace culture that values transparency and trust.”

noun + noun

07. workplace safety

“The company introduced new regulations to improve workplace safety for all employees.”

noun + noun

Preposition

08. in the workplace

“Mobile phones can be a major distraction in the workplace if not managed properly.”

prep + noun

Usage

Commonly used in the singular to describe the general concept of employment environments.

Real-World Examples

“There will also be workplace skills training such as in using office IT systems and timekeeping.”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026
“Data showing the use of AI in the workplace suggests that Japan has fallen behind.”
BBC News 12 Aug 2026
“Yet another summer heatwave could be on the way to make your commute sweaty and your workplace stuffy.”
BBC News 6 Aug 2026
“But instead of splashing the extra cash, or saving up for holidays or a house deposit, he's decided to squirrel more of it away into his workplace pension.”
BBC News 30 Jun 2026

Etymology

From work + place.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Related words

This entry

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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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