career

A job or series of related jobs you do over many years.

• She wants a career in teaching.
• He started his career as a nurse.
• Have you considered changing careers?

How to use it: career in something (He hopes for a career in medicine.); career as someone (She began a career as a translator.)

Similar words: profession, occupation

Common phrases: a teaching career, start a career, career in something, choose a career

The way your working life develops, including your jobs, achievements, and growing experience.

• Her career has progressed quickly.
• He won several awards during his career.
• That mistake nearly ended her career.

How to use it: throughout someone’s career (He taught in small schools throughout his career.)

Similar words: working life, professional development

Common phrases: advance a career, early career, throughout a career

To move very fast, often without being able to control your direction.

• The car careered down the hill.
• A loose cart careered across the yard.
• The bus careered into a wall after losing a wheel.

How to use it: career down/along/into something (The truck careered along the narrow road.)

Similar words: hurtle, rush

Common phrases: career down something, career into something, career across something

Doing a particular activity as your main work for much of your life.

• He is a career diplomat.
• The police described her as a career criminal.
• Several career soldiers opposed the new policy.

Similar words: professional

Opposites: amateur

Common phrases: career criminal, career diplomat, career soldier