[VERB 动词]工作；从业；就职 People who work have a job, usually one which they are paid to do.
[V prep/adv]
[V as n]
[V]
Weiner works for the US Department of Transport...
韦纳就职于美国交通部。
I started working in a recording studio...
我开始在一个录音棚工作。
Where do you work?...
你在哪儿工作？
He worked as a bricklayer's mate...
他给瓦工打下手。
I want to work, I don't want to be on welfare.
我想去工作，不想吃救济。
2
[N-UNCOUNT 不可数名词]工作；职业 People who have work or who are in work have a job, usually one which they are paid to do.
[oft in/out of N]
Fewer and fewer people are in work...
就业人数越来越少。
I was out of work at the time...
那时我失业了。
She'd have enough money to provide for her children until she could find work...
她在找到工作前应该有足够的钱供养孩子。
What kind of work do you do?
你是做什么工作的？
3
[VERB 动词]工作；劳动；干活 When you work, you do the things that you are paid or required to do in your job.
[V]
[V n]
I can't talk to you right now—I'm working...
这会儿我不能跟你说话——我在干活儿。
He was working at his desk...
他正在桌前用功。
Some firms expect the guards to work twelve hours a day.
有些公司要求保安每天工作12小时。
Usage Note :
The verb work has a different meaning in the continuous tenses than it does in the simple tenses. You use the continuous tenses, with the '-ing' form, to talk about a temporary job, but the simple tenses to talk about a permanent job. For example, if you say 'I'm working in London', this suggests that the situation is temporary and you may soon move to a different place. If you say 'I work in London', this suggests that London is your permanent place of work.
动词 work 用于进行时和一般时时意义不同。用于进行时表示工作是临时性的，例如，I'm working in London (我目前在伦敦工作)暗示这种情形是暂时的，可能很快就会迁移到另一个地方。用于一般时则表示工作是固定的，例如，I work in London (我在伦敦工作)，暗示伦敦是固定的工作地点。
4
[N-UNCOUNT 不可数名词]工作；活儿；活计 Your work consists of the things you are paid or required to do in your job.
We're supposed to be running a business here. I've got work to do...
我们在这里应该是要经营公司。我有一堆的事情要做。
I used to take work home, but I don't do it any more...
我过去常把活儿带回家干，不过我如今再也不这么做了。
There have been days when I have finished work at 2pm.
有一段时间我凌晨两点才干完活儿。
...an image of teaching which highlighted the stressful and difficult aspects of the teacher's work.
突出显示了教师工作的压力和困难的教学场景
5
[VERB 动词]努力干；用功 When you work, you spend time and effort doing a task that needs to be done or trying to achieve something.
[V prep]
[with supp]
Linda spends all her time working on the garden...
琳达把所有时间都花在打理花园上。
While I was working on my letter the telephone rang...
我正在写信，电话铃响了。
Leonard was working at his German. His mistakes made her laugh...
伦纳德正在学习德语，他出的洋相让她哈哈大笑。
The most important reason for coming to university is to work for a degree...
上大学最重要的原因就是要拿个学位。
The government expressed hope that all the sides will work towards a political solution.
政府表示希望各方共同努力，制订出政治解决方案。
Work is also a noun.
There was a lot of work to do on their house...
他们的房子有很多地方需要收拾。
We hadn't appreciated how much work was involved in organizing a wedding...
我们没有意识到筹备婚礼有多少事情要做。
He said that the peace plan would be rejected because it needed more work.
他说和平计划会被否决，因为还需要进一步修改。
6
[N-UNCOUNT 不可数名词]工作单位；工作地点Work is the place where you do your job.
[usu to/at N]
Many people travel to work by car...
很多人开车去上班。
She told her friends at work that she was trying to lose weight.
她跟单位的朋友说她在努力减肥。
7
[N-UNCOUNT 不可数名词]工作成果Work is something which you produce as a result of an activity or as a result of doing your job.
[oft poss/adj N]
It can help to have an impartial third party look over your work...
让客观公正的第三方看一下你的成果会有助益。
Tidiness in the workshop is really essential for producing good work...
工作间干净整洁对于生产出好的产品非常重要。
That's a beautiful piece of work. You should be proud of it.
那件作品非常漂亮，你应当为之自豪。
8
[N-COUNT 可数名词](艺术家、作家、作曲家等的)作品；著作 A work is something such as a painting, book, or piece of music produced by an artist, writer, or composer.
[usu with supp]
In my opinion, this is Rembrandt's greatest work...
我认为这是伦勃朗最伟大的作品。
Under his arm, there was a book which looked like the complete works of Shakespeare...
他胳膊底下夹着一本书，看上去就像是夹了《莎士比亚全集》。
The church has several valuable works of art.
教堂有几件珍贵的艺术品。
9
[VERB 动词]研究；对…作调查 If someone is working on a particular subject or question, they are studying or researching it.
[V on n]
Professor Bonnet has been working for many years on molecules of this type.
邦尼特教授多年来一直在从事这种分子的研究工作。
Work is also a noun.
Their work shows that one-year-olds are much more likely to have allergies if either parent smokes.
他们的研究表明，如果父母中有一人吸烟，一岁婴儿患过敏的可能性就会大大增加。
10
[VERB 动词]协助；帮助 If you work with a person or a group of people, you spend time and effort trying to help them in some way.
[V with/among n]
She spent a period of time working with people dying of cancer...
她有一段时间曾帮助垂危的癌症患者。
He knew then that he wanted to work among the poor.
他那时明白了自己想帮助穷人。
Work is also a noun.
...a highly respected priest who is noted for his work with the poor...
以救助穷人闻名的备受尊敬的教士
She became involved in social and relief work among the refugees.
她参加了帮助难民的社会救济工作。
11
[VERB 动词](机器或设备)运转，运行 If a machine or piece of equipment works, it operates and performs a particular function.
[V]
[V prep/adv]
The pump doesn't work and we have no running water...
水泵坏了，我们没有自来水了。
Is the telephone working today?...
电话今天能用吗？
Ned turned on the lanterns, which worked with batteries...
内德打开开关亮起了装电池的灯笼。
How does the gun work?
这枪怎么用?
12
[VERB 动词]奏效；成功 If an idea, system, or way of doing something works, it is successful, effective, or satisfactory.
[V]
[V adv]
95 per cent of these diets do not work...
这些节食方法95%都不起作用。
If lust is all there is to hold you together, the relationship will never work...
如果肉欲是你们在一起的唯一理由，这种关系是不会持久的。
I shouldn't have come, I knew it wouldn't work...
我不应该来，我知道这起不了什么作用。
A methodical approach works best.
有条不紊的方法效果最佳。
13
[VERB 动词](药物)起作用，产生疗效 If a drug or medicine works, it produces a particular physical effect.
[V]
[V prep/adv]
I wake at 6 am as the sleeping pill doesn't work for more than nine hours...
安眠药的药效不会超过9个小时，所以我清晨6点就醒了。
The drug works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
这种药物通过提高大脑中血清素的含量来产生疗效。
14
[VERB 动词]产生(有利或不利的)影响 If something works in your favour, it helps you in some way. If something works to your disadvantage, it causes problems for you in some way.
[V prep]
One factor thought to have worked in his favour is his working class image...
据认为，一个帮上了他的因素就是他的工人阶级形象。
This obviously works against the interests of the child.
这显然会对孩子不利。
15
[VERB 动词]对…产生(神奇的影响)；使…深受（魅力感染） If something or someone works their magic or works their charms on a person, they have a powerful positive effect on them.
[V n on n]
[V n]
Nevertheless, she is always optimistic about the possibilities and can work her charm on the disenchanted...
虽然如此，她总是乐观地抱持希望，并能深深地感染那些心灰意冷的人。
Our spirits rallied as the bitter-sweet alcohol worked its magic.
苦中带甜的酒发挥了奇效，我们的精神随之振奋起来。
16
[VERB 动词](脑筋)转动，开动 If your mind or brain is working, you are thinking about something or trying to solve a problem.
[V]
My mind was working frantically, running over the events of the evening.
我的大脑疯狂地运转，把那晚发生的事情飞快地一幕幕重演。
17
[VERB 动词]以(某种假定或思想)为基础(或前提) If you work on an assumption or idea, you act as if it were true or base other ideas on it, until you have more information.
[V on n]
We are working on the assumption that it was a gas explosion.
我们假设这是一场燃气爆炸事故。
18
[VERB 动词]在(某地或某类场所)工作；在…奔波 If you work a particular area or type of place, you travel around that area or work in those places as part of your job, for example trying to sell something there.
[V n]
Brand has been working the clubs and the pubs since 1986, developing her comedy act...
布兰德自1986年以来一直在俱乐部和酒吧表演，提高她的喜剧演技。
This is the seventh year that he has worked the streets of Manhattan.
这是他在曼哈顿街头献艺的第7个年头。
19
[VERB 动词]让…干活；让…工作 If you work someone, you make them spend time and effort doing a particular activity or job.
[V n adv/prep]
[Also V n]
They're working me too hard. I'm too old for this...
他们把我用得太狠了，我老了，干不了这种活儿啦。
They didn't take my father away, but kept him in the village and worked him to death.
他们没有把我爸爸带走，而是一直让他在村里干活，把他活活累死了。
20
[VERB 动词](常指政客或艺人)博得，赢得(众人的支持或欢心) If someone, often a politician or entertainer, works a crowd, they create a good relationship with the people in the crowd and get their support or interest.
[V n]
The Prime Minister has an ability to work a crowd — some might even suggest it is a kind of charm...
首相有种感召人群的本事——有些人甚至认为这是一种魅力。
He worked the room like a politician, gripping hands, and slapping backs.
他又是握手，又是拍背，像个政客一样把一屋子的人都笼络了一番。
21
[VERB 动词]种，耕种(地) When people work the land, they do all the tasks involved in growing crops.
[V n]
Farmers worked the fertile valleys.
农民们在肥沃的山谷里耕种。
22
[VERB 动词]开采(矿) When a mine is worked, minerals such as coal or gold are removed from it.
[be V-ed]
[V n]
The mines had first been worked in 1849, when gold was discovered in California...
1849年加利福尼亚发现金矿时，这些矿第一次被开采。
Only an agreed number of men was allowed to work any given seam at any given time.
只有少数得到批准的人可以在特定时间开采特定的矿层。
23
[VERB 动词]使用，操纵(机器或设备) If you work a machine or piece of equipment, you use or control it.
[V n]
Many adults still depend on their children to work the video.
很多成年人仍然要靠孩子来操作录像机。
24
[VERB 动词]慢慢变成；逐渐变得 If something works into a particular state or condition, it gradually moves so that it is in that state or condition.
[V adj]
A screw had worked loose from my glasses.
我眼镜上有一个螺丝松了。
25
[VERB 动词]按，压，揉(面团、黏土等) If you work a substance such as dough or clay, you keep pressing it to make it have a particular texture.
[V n]
[V n prep/adv]
Work the dough with the palm of your hand until it is very smooth...
用手掌将面团揉至光滑为止。
Remove rind from the cheese and work it to a firm paste, with a fork.
将奶酪的外皮去掉，用叉子将其压成硬硬的膏状。
26
[VERB 动词]加工；处理 If you work a material such as metal, leather, or stone, you cut, sew, or shape it in order to make something or to create a design.
[V n]
[V-ed]
...the machines needed to extract and work the raw stone.
开采加工原石的机器
...a long, cool tunnel of worked stone.
一条跨度长且阴凉的石凿隧道
27
[VERB 动词]使用，采用(某种材料或物质) If you work with a particular substance or material, you use it in order to make something or to create a design.
[V with/in n]
He studied sculpture because he enjoyed working with clay.
他学习雕塑是因为他喜欢玩黏土。
28
[V-ERG 及物/不及物动词](使)(身体某部分)活动 If you work a part of your body, or if it works, you move it.
[V n]
[V]
Each position will work the muscles in a different way...
每种姿势都会以不同方式活动肌肉。
Her mouth was working in her sleep.
她睡着的时候嘴巴还在动。
29
[N-COUNT-COLL 可数集合名词]工厂 A works is a place where something is manufactured or where an industrial process is carried out. Works is used to refer to one or to more than one of these places.
[usu n N]
The steel works could be seen for miles.
这个钢厂几英里外都能看见。
...a recycling works.
回收工厂
...the works canteen.
工厂餐厅
30
[N-PLURAL 复数名词]土木工程；建筑工程Works are activities such as digging the ground or building on a large scale.
[usu supp N]
...six years of disruptive building works, road construction and urban development.
6年间进行的破坏性的建筑工程、道路修筑和城市扩建
31
[N-SING 单数名词](某种类型的)全部物件，全套物品 You can say the works after listing things such as someone's possessions or requirements, to emphasize that they possess or require everything you can think of in a particular category.
[the N]
[emphasis]
[INFORMAL 非正式]
Amazing place he's got there—squash courts, swimming pool, jacuzzi, the works.
他的那个地方真是太棒了——壁球场、游泳池、按摩浴池，一应俱全。
32
See also:
working
；
33
[PHRASE 短语]干活儿；做工作；忙着做事 If someone is at work they are doing their job or are busy doing a particular activity.
[usu v-link PHR]
The salvage teams are already hard at work trying to deal with the spilled oil...
救援队已经在紧张地设法处理溢出的石油。
He is currently at work on a novel...
他这会儿正忙着写一篇小说。
Television cameras were invited in to film him at work.
电视台摄像师被请进来拍摄他工作的镜头。
34
[PHRASE 短语]起作用；发挥效用 If a force or process is at work, it is having a particular influence or effect.
[usu v-link PHR]
The report suggested that the same trend was at work in politics...
这份报告表明，同一趋势也在影响着政治。
It is important to understand the powerful economic and social forces at work behind our own actions.
重要的是，要理解在我们自身行动背后起作用的强大的经济和社会力量。
35
[PHRASE 短语](做…)有很大困难，困难重重 If you say that you will have your work cut out to do something, you mean that it will be a very difficult task.
[V inflects]
The new administration has its work cut out for it. Creating jobs in this kind of environment is not going to be easy...
新一届政府面临重重困难。在这种环境下创造就业机会绝非易事。
He will have his work cut out to get into the team.
他要进入该队困难重重。
36
[PHRASE 短语]已列入计划；已开始 If something is in the works, it has already been planned or begun.
[usu n PHR]
[mainly AM 主美]
He said there were dozens of economic plans in the works...
他说有几十项经济计划已经开始实施。
Nobody should be surprised by this. It's been in the works for some time.
不应该有人对此感到惊奇，这事已经张罗了有一阵子了。
in BRIT, usually use 英国英语通常用 in the pipeline
37
[PHRASE 短语]（费力或轻而易举地）做，完成 You can use work to talk about how easily or quickly a particular task is done. For example, if a person or thing makes short work of doing something or makes light work of it, they do it quickly and easily.
[V inflects]
An aerosol spray will make short work of painting awkward objects...
用喷罐来喷涂，不好对付的物品也能轻松搞定。
This horse made light work of the cross-country course...
这匹马轻松地跑完了越野赛程。
Australia made hard work of beating them.
澳大利亚队非常艰难地击败了他们。
38
[PHRASE 短语]讨厌鬼；恶棍 If you describe someone as a nasty piece of work, you think they are very unpleasant or cruel.
[usu v-link PHR]
[mainly BRIT 主英]
[INFORMAL 非正式]
Underneath I think he's actually a rather nasty piece of work.
内心里我觉得他是个非常讨厌的家伙。
39
[PHRASE 短语]让…工作；派给…任务 If you put someone to work or set them to work, you give them a job or task to do.
[V inflects]
By stimulating the economy, we're going to put people to work...
我们将通过刺激经济让人们实现就业。
Instead of sending them to prison, we have set them to work helping the lemon growers.
我们没有把他们送进监狱，而是让他们帮种柠檬的果农干活儿。
40
[PHRASE
短语
]开始做；着手处理 If you get to work ,go to work, or set to work on a job, task, or problem, you start doing it or dealing with it.
[V inflects]
He promised to get to work on the state's massive deficit...
他承诺着手解决国家庞大的财政赤字问题。
He returned to America where he set to work on a new novel.
他返回美国，开始写一部新小说。
41
[PHRASE 短语]艰难地移动；缓慢地取得进展 If you work your way somewhere, you move or progress there slowly, and with a lot of effort or work.
[V inflects]
Rescuers were still working their way towards the trapped men...
营救人员仍在艰难地向被困者靠拢。
Many personnel managers started as secretaries or personnel assistants and worked their way up.
很多人事经理最初是从秘书或人事助理做起，然后慢慢升上去的。
42
[CONVENTION 惯用语]干得不错；干得漂亮 You can say to someone 'nice work' or 'good work' in order to thank or praise them for doing something well or quickly.
[formulae]
Nice work, Matthew. I knew you could do it.
干得好，马修。我知道你能行。
43
to throw a spanner in the works→see:
spanner
；
相关词组：
work in
work off
work out
work over
work up
Oxford
work★/wɜːk; NAmEwɜːrk/
verb
,
noun
workworksworkedworkingverb★do job/task 做工；执行任务1★[intransitive ]to do sth that involves physical or mental effort, especially as part of a job 做体力（或脑力）工作；劳动；干活◆I can't work if I'm cold.我要是觉得冷就干不了活。workat sth ◆I've been working at my assignment all day.我整天都在做作业。workon sth ◆He is working on a new novel.他正在写一部新小说。◆She's outside, working on the car.她在外面修理汽车。+ noun◆Doctors often work very long hours.医生经常长时间工作。2★[intransitive ]to have a job 受雇于；从事…工作◆Both my parents work.我父母都工作。workfor sb/sth ◆She works for an engineering company.她在一家工程公司工作。workin sth ◆I've always worked in education.我一直从事教育工作。workwith sb/sth ◆Do you enjoy working with children?你喜欢做儿童工作吗？workas sth ◆My son is working as a teacher.我的儿子是当老师的。make effort 努力3[transitive ]workyourself/sb + adv./prep. to make yourself/sb work, especially very hard 使工作；（尤指）使卖力干活◆She works herself too hard.她工作起来太不辞劳苦了。4★[intransitive ]to make efforts to achieve sth 争取；力争；努力取得workfor sth ◆She dedicated her life to working for peace.她为争取和平奉献了自己的一生。workto do sth ◆The committee is working to get the prisoners freed.委员会正在设法营救那些被监禁的人出狱。manage 管理5[transitive ]worksth to manage or operate sth to gain benefit from it 管理，经营（以获利）◆to work the land (= grow crops on it, etc.)耕种土地◆He works a large area (= selling a company's goods, etc.).他负责一个大地区的工作。◆( figurative) She was a skilful speaker who knew how to work a crowd(= to excite them or make them feel sth strongly).她是个很有技巧的演讲者，善于感召听众。machine/device 机器；装置6★[intransitive ]to function; to operate 运转；运行◆The phone isn't working.这部电话坏了。◆It works by electricity.这是电动的。◆Are they any closer to understanding how the brain works?他们对大脑功能的了解有进展吗？7[transitive ]worksth to make a machine, device, etc. operate 开动，操作（机器、装置等）；使运作◆Do you know how to work the coffee machine?你会使用咖啡机吗？◆The machine is worked by wind power.这台机器是以风力推动的。have result/effect 有结果╱作用8★[intransitive ]to have the result or effect that you want 奏效；产生预期的结果（或作用）◆The pills the doctor gave me aren't working.医生给我的药片不管事。◆My plan worked, and I got them to agree.我的计划奏效了，我让他们同意了。workon sb/sth ◆His charm doesn't work on me (= does not affect or impress me).我不为他的魅力所动。9[intransitive ]to have a particular effect 产生…作用workagainst sb ◆Your age can work against you in this job.你的年纪会妨碍你干这个工作。workin sb's favour ◆Speaking Italian should work in his favour.会说意大利语应对他有好处。10[transitive ]worksth to cause or produce sth as a result of effort 使奏效；（由于努力）造成，产生◆You can work miracles with very little money if you follow our home decoration tips.你要是按照我们的家居装饰诀窍行事，可以用很少的钱就产生奇妙的效果。use material 使用材料11[transitive ]to make a material into a particular shape or form by pressing, stretching, hitting it, etc. （通过压挤、拉长、锤击等）使成形，使定形worksth ◆to work clay制陶◆to work gold打制金器worksth into sth ◆to work the mixture into a paste把混合物调成糊状12[intransitive ]workin/with sth (of an artist, etc. 艺术家等)to use a particular material to produce a picture or other item 用某种材料作画（或编制、编织等）◆an artist working in oils油画画家◆a craftsman working with wool毛织手工艺人of part of face/body 脸╱身体部位13[intransitive ]( formal) to move violently 抽动；抽搐；颤动◆He stared at me in horror, his mouth working.他恐惧地盯着我，嘴在抽搐着。move gradually 逐渐移动14[intransitive , transitive ]to move or pass to a particular place or state, usually gradually （逐渐地）移动（到某位置）；（逐步）变成（某状态）+ adv./prep.◆It will take a while for the drug to work out of your system.这药需要一段时间才能从你体内排出。~ your way + adv./prep.◆( figurative) He worked his way to the top of his profession.他一步一步努力，终于成为行业内的翘楚。workyourself/sth + adj. ◆I was tied up, but managed to work myself free.我被捆绑起来，但设法挣脱了绳索。+ adj.◆The screw had worked loose.这螺丝钉松动了。IDIOMMost idioms containing workare at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example work your fingers to the boneis at finger.大多数含 work 的习语，都可在该等习语中的名词及形容词相关词条找到，如 work your fingers to the bone 在词条 finger 下。ˈwork it/things( informal) to arrange sth in a particular way, especially by being clever （尤指巧妙地）办成，办妥◆Can you work it so that we get free tickets?你能不能为我们搞到些免费票？PHRASAL VERBSˌwork aˈround/ˈround to sth/sbto gradually turn a conversation towards a particular topic, subject, etc. 渐渐转变（话题、主题等）◆It was some time before he worked around to what he really wanted to say.他东拉西扯了一会才绕到真正要说的事情上来。ˈwork at sthto make great efforts to achieve sth or do sth well 致力于；努力做◆He's working at losing weight.他正在努力减肥。◆Learning to play the piano isn't easy. You have to work at it.学弹钢琴不容易，你非得下功夫不可。ˌwork sth ˈin | work sth into sth1to try to include sth 尽量包括；设法把…加进◆Can't you work a few more jokes into your speech?难道你就不能在讲话中再增加几句笑话吗？2to add one substance to another and mix them together 掺入；将…搅拌进◆Gradually work in the butter.逐渐掺进黄油。ˌwork sth↔ˈoff1to get rid of sth, especially a strong feeling, by using physical effort （通过消耗体力）宣泄感情◆She worked off her anger by going for a walk.她散散步气就消了。2to earn money in order to be able to pay a debt 工作以偿债◆They had a large bank loan to work off.他们有一大笔银行贷款需要偿还。ˈwork on sbto try to persuade sb to agree to sth or to do sth 努力说服（使某人答应或做某事）◆He hasn't said he'll do it yet, but I'm working on him.他还没说他会做这事，不过我正在设法说服他。ˈwork on sthto try hard to improve or achieve sth 努力改善（或完成）◆You need to work on your pronunciation a bit more.你需要再加把劲改进发音。◆‘Have you sorted out a babysitter yet?’ ‘No, but I'm working on it.’ “你找到临时看孩子的保母了吗？”“还没有，我正在找呢。”ˌwork ˈout1★to train the body by physical exercise 锻炼身体；做运动◆I work out regularly to keep fit.我经常做运动以保持健康。☞related noun
workout
2★to develop in a successful way 成功地发展◆My first job didn't work out.我的第一份工作干得不好。◆Things have worked out quite well for us.事情的结果对我们很不错。ˌwork ˈout (at sth)if sth works outat sth, you calculate that it will be a particular amount 计算；计算出+ adj.◆It'll work out cheaper to travel by bus.算来还是乘公共汽车便宜些。ˌwork sb↔ˈout( BrE) to understand sb's character 了解，理解（某人的性格）◆I've never been able to work her out.我从未能摸准她的秉性。ˌwork sth↔ˈout1★to calculate sth 计算；算出◆to work out the answer计算出答案2★( especially BrE) to find the answer to sth 找…的答案；解决SYN
solve
◆to work out a problem解决问题workwhat, where, etc… ◆Can you work out what these squiggles mean?你能辨认出这些潦草的字迹是什么意思吗？◆I couldn't work out where the music was coming from.我弄不清这音乐是从哪里传来的。3★to plan or think of sth 计划；思考◆I've worked out a new way of doing it.我想出了做这事的一个新方法。4[usually passive ]to remove all the coal, minerals, etc. from a mine over a period of time 挖尽，开采光（煤、矿产等）◆a worked-out silver mine开采光了的银矿ˌwork sb↔ˈover( slang) to attack sb and hit them, for example to make them give you information 拷问；逼供ˈwork to sthto follow a plan, schedule, etc. 按照（计划、时间表等）；根据…行事◆to work to a budget按照预算办事◆We're working to a very tight deadline (= we have little time in which to do the work).我们的工期很紧。ˈwork towards sthto try to reach or achieve a goal 努力达到，设法完成（目标）ˌwork sth↔ˈupto develop or improve sth with some effort 逐步发展；努力改进◆I can't work up any enthusiasm for his idea.我对他的想法怎么也热心不起来。◆She went for a long walk to work up an appetite.她为了增加食欲散了很长时间的步。ˌwork sb/yourself ˈup (into sth)to make sb/yourself reach a state of great excitement, anger, etc. 使激动；使发怒◆Don't work yourself up into a state about it. It isn't worth it.别为此大动肝火。这不值得。◆What are you so worked up about?什么事使得你这么激动？ˌwork sth ˈup into sthto bring sth to a more complete or more acceptable state 使完整；使完好；修整◆I'm working my notes up into a dissertation.我正在把我的笔记整理成一篇论文。ˌwork ˈup to sthto develop or move gradually towards sth, usually sth more exciting or extreme 逐步发展到，逐渐达到（更高或更深的程度）◆The music worked up to a rousing finale.乐曲渐变到一个激动人心的末乐章。◆I began by jogging in the park and worked up to running five miles a day.我开始在公园里慢跑，后来逐渐增加到一天跑五英里。noun★job/task 工作；任务1★[uncountable ]the job that a person does especially in order to earn money 工作；职业SYN
employment
◆She had been out of work(= without a job)for a year. 她已经失业一年了。◆( BrE) They are in work(= have a job).他们有工作。◆He started workas a security guard. 他开始工作时做保安员。◆It is difficult to find work in the present economic climate.在目前这种经济大气候下很难找到工作。◆I'm still looking for work.我仍在找工作。◆She's planning to return to workonce the children start school. 她正计划孩子一入学就恢复上班。◆What line of workare you in (= what type of work do you do)?你干哪种工作？◆before/after work(= in the morning/evening each day)上班前；下班后◆full-time/part-time/unpaid/voluntary work全日制╱兼职╱无报酬的╱志愿工作☞collocationsat
job
,
unemployment
2★[uncountable ]the duties that you have and the activities that you do as part of your job 职责；工作内容◆Police work is mainly routine.警察的工作主要都是按常规的。◆The accountant described his work to the sales staff.会计师向销售部的职员介绍了自己的职责。☞see also
piecework
,
social work
3★[uncountable ]tasks that need to be done 工作；活计◆There is plenty of work to be donein the garden. 花园里有很多活要干。◆Taking care of a baby is hard work.照看婴儿是件苦差。◆I have some work for you to do.我有些事要你做。◆Stop talking and get on with your work.别说话了，继续干你们的活儿吧。☞see also
homework
,
schoolwork
4[uncountable ]materials needed or used for doing work,especially books, papers, etc. 工作所需的材料（或档案等）◆She often brings work (= for example, files and documents)home with her from the office. 她经常把办公室里的工作带回家。◆His work was spread all over the floor.他工作的材料摊了一地。☞see also
paperwork
place of job 工作地点5★[uncountable ]( used without the不与 the 连用) the place where you do your job 工作地点；工作单位；工作场所◆I go to workat 8 o'clock. 我 8 点钟去上班。◆When do you leave for work?你什么时候去上班？◆The new legislation concerns health and safety at work.这项新法规涉及工作场所的健康与安全。◆I have to leave workearly today. 我今天得早点儿下班。◆Her friends from workcame to see her in the hospital. 她工作单位的朋友来医院看望她。effort 努力6★[uncountable ]the use of physical strength or mental power in order to do or make sth 工作；劳动◆She earned her grades through sheer hard work.她的学习成绩完全是靠刻苦用功得来的。◆We started work onthe project in 2009. 我们从 2009 年开始干这个项目。◆Work continues on renovating the hotel.修整这家旅馆的工作在继续。◆The work of building the bridge took six months.修建这座桥的工作用了六个月的时间。◆The art collection was his life's work.这些艺术品收藏是他一生的成就。◆She set them to workpainting the fence. 她让他们粉刷围墙。☞see also
donkey work
,
fieldwork
product of work 工作成果7★[uncountable ]a thing or things that are produced as a result of work 工作成果；产品；作品◆She's an artist whose work I really admire.她这位艺术家的作品令我赞赏不已。◆Is this all your own work(= did you do it without help from others)?这件作品是你独立完成的吗？◆The book is a detailed and thorough piece of workcovering all aspects of the subject. 这本书包括了这一学科的方方面面，是一部缜密翔实的大作。result of action 行动结果8[uncountable ]the result of an action; what is done by sb 作为；行动结果◆The damage is clearly the work of vandals.这毁损显然是些恣意破坏公物的人所为。book/music/art 书籍；音乐；艺术9★[countable ]a book, piece of music, painting, etc. 著作；作品◆the collected/complete worksof Tolstoy 托尔斯泰选集╱全集◆works of fiction/literature小说╱文学作品◆Beethoven's piano works贝多芬的钢琴曲☞compare
opus
☞see also
work of art
building/repairing 修造10works[plural ]( often in compounds 常构成复合词) activities involving building or repairing sth 建；修；修建◆roadworks道路施工◆They expanded the shipyards and started engineering works.他们扩建造船厂，开始了工程施工。☞see also
public works
factory 工厂11works(pluralworks)[countable + singular or plural verb ]( often in compounds 常构成复合词) a place where things are made or industrial processes take place 工厂◆an engineering works机器制造厂◆a brickworks砖厂☞synonyms at
factory
parts of machine 机器部件12the works[plural ]the moving parts of a machine, etc. （机器等的）活动部件SYN
mechanism
everything 所有的事物13the works[plural ]( informal) everything 所有的事物；全套物品◆We went to the chip shop and had the works: fish, chips, gherkins, mushy peas.我们去薯条店吃了套餐：炸鱼、炸薯条、小黄瓜、豆泥。physics 物理14[uncountable ]the use of force to produce movement 功；做功☞see also
joule
IDIOMSall ˌwork and no ˈplay (makes ˌJack a dull ˈboy)( saying) it is not healthy to spend all your time working; you need to relax too 只工作不玩耍，聪明的孩子也变傻at ˈwork1having an effect on sth 起作用◆She suspected that secret influences were at work.她怀疑有些秘密势力在作祟。2★work(on sth) busy doing sth 忙着（做某事）◆He is still at work on the painting.他仍在忙着画那幅画。◆Danger—men at work.危险 — 有人施工。★get (down) to/set to ˈworkto begin; to make a start 开始，着手（工作）◆We set to work on the outside of the house (= for example, painting it).我们从屋子的外部开始干了起来。give sb the ˈworks( informal) to give or tell sb everything 给（或告诉）…一切ˌgood ˈworkskind acts to help others 善行；善举go/set about your ˈworkto do/start to do your work 做（或着手做）自己的工作◆She went cheerfully about her work.她高高兴兴地做自己的工作。have your ˈwork cut out( informal) to be likely to have difficulty doing sth （做某事）可能有困难◆You'll have your work cut out to get there by nine o'clock.你九点钟前赶到那里可不容易。in the ˈworkssomething that is in the worksis being discussed, planned or prepared and will happen or exist soon 在讨论（或计划、筹备等）中；在酝酿中SYN
in the pipeline
the work of a ˈmoment, ˈsecond, etc.( formal) a thing that takes a very short time to do 即刻做完的事☞more at
day
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devil
,
dirty
adj.,
hand
n.,
hard
adj.,
job
,
light
adj.,
nasty
,
nice
,
short
adj.,
spanner
work/wɜːk; NAmEwɜːrk/
LDC
work1 verb
work2 noun
workwork1 /wɜːk $ wɜːrk/ ●●●S1W1 verb
Entry menu
Word Origin
Verb Table
Examples
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Collocations
Phrases
Word family
1do a job for money [intransitive] to do a job that you are paid for: Where do you work? Many young people in the area have never worked. The injury means he’ll probably never work again.work for He works for a law firm.work at/in I work at the university.work as She works as a consultant for a design company.work in industry/education/publishing etc The studies were undertaken by people working in education.work part-time/full-time I work part-time in a library.GRAMMAR: Prepositions with work• You work in a city or area: · He works in Manhattan.• You work in a type of place such as a bank, shop, or factory: · She works in a library.• You work at a particular place or organization: · She works at the Library of Congress.• You work for a person, company, or organization that employs you: · He works for his father.· We both work for the same company.• You work in an industry or a type of job, for example education, advertising, or IT: · He works in advertising.• You work as a waiter, cashier, accountant etc: · She works as a cook.✗Don’t say: She works as cook.• You work on a project or task: · Several people worked on the report.2do your job [intransitive, transitive] to do the activities and duties that are part of your job: Sally isn’t working tomorrow. Staff will have to get used to a new way of working.work with One of the women I work with is getting married this weekend.work under somebody (=have someone who is in charge of you) Each site has a fully trained team who work under a site manager.work days/nights/weekends etc I get paid more if I work nights. We’re sometimes expected to work twelve-hour days. Are you working late (=working after the time you usually finish) again tonight? Forty police officers are working round the clock (=working day and night without stopping) to find Murray’s killer. Nowadays, many people are able to work from home.3help [intransitive] if you work with someone or a group of people, your job involves trying to help themwork with/among She’s just retired after 38 years working with children. He has worked among some of the world’s poorest people.4do an activity [intransitive] to spend time and effort doing something: I’ve been working in the garden all afternoon. I’m going to have to work really hard to pass these exams. We’re working together to develop a new system.5try to achieve something [intransitive] to try continuously to achieve a particular thingwork towards They are working towards a solution to their problems.work for We will work for the release of the hostages.work to do something The police are working to provide more help for victims of crime. The company is working hard to improve its image. He worked tirelessly (=worked very hard in a determined way) for the charity throughout his life.6machine/equipmenta)[intransitive] if a machine or piece of equipment works, it does what it is supposed to do: You should check that the smoke alarm is working properly. The delete key doesn’t work.get something to work I can’t get the heater to work.b)[transitive] to make a machine or piece of equipment do what it is supposed to do: My parents can’t even work the video.7be effective/successful [intransitive] to be effective or successful: Making a marriage work can take a lot of effort. I’ve never found a diet that works. The recipe works just as well if you use margarine instead of butter. The cream works immediately to relieve sore skin.work for You need to find which method works best for you.work against a drug that works against some types of cancer8have an effect [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if something such as a fact, situation, or system works in a particular way, it has a particular effect on someone or something: The arrangement works well for everyone involved. The French team are the heavier crew, which should work in their favour (=help them). Sexism still works against (=harms or causes problems for) women in many professions. Loyalty works both ways (=involves two opposite or matching effects): we are loyal to our employees and, in turn, they are loyal to us.9art/style/literature [intransitive] if a painting, design, piece of writing etc works, it is successful because it has the effect on you that the painter, writer etc intended: I don’t think the scene with the horses really works, do you?work for The colour combination just doesn’t work for me.10shape/cut something [transitive] if you work a material such as metal, leather, or clay, you cut, sew, or shape it in order to make something11use a substance [intransitive] to use a particular material or substance in order to make something such as a picture, design, jewellery etcwork in/with a sculptor who works in steel a jeweller who works with silver12work your way to/through etc somethinga)to move somewhere slowly and with difficulty: From here, we worked our way carefully across the rock base.b)to achieve something gradually by working: He had worked his way up to head of department.13work your way through school/college/university etc to do a job while you are a student because you need the money to pay for your courses, books etc14move gradually [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move into a particular state or position very gradually, either in a series of small movements or after a long time: Slowly he worked the screwdriver into the crack.work (its way) loose One of the screws must have worked loose.15exercise [transitive] to use and exercise a muscle or part of your body: Swimming is a form of exercise that works every muscle in your body.16move [intransitive, transitive] formal if a part of your body works or you work it, it moves: She was trembling and her mouth was working.17work in an area [transitive] especially American English if you work a particular area or type of place, you travel around the area for your job, or work in that type of place: Markowitz works the Tri-State area.18work the door to take tickets from people as they enter a club, theatre etc: Binns worked the door at various Manhattan clubs.19entertain a crowd [transitive] if an entertainer or politician works a crowd of people, they entertain them and get their interest or support: She really knew how to work a crowd.20land/soil [transitive] if you work the land, soil etc, you do all the work necessary to grow crops on it: He was left to work the farm alone.21mine [transitive] to remove a substance such as coal, gold, or oil from under the ground22work like magic/work like a charm (also work a treat British English) to be very effective: a polish that works a treat on windows23mind/brain [intransitive] if your mind or brain is working, you are thinking or trying to solve a problem24work on the principle/assumption/basis etc that to base ideas, plans etc on a particular fact that you think is true: We’re working on the assumption that the conference will take place in Canada, as planned.25work yourself into a frenzy/panic/state etc to make yourself become very nervous, angry etc: He seemed to be working himself into a rage.26work it/things spoken to make arrangements for something to happen, especially by behaving in a clever or skilful way: We should try and work it so that we can all go together.27work the system to understand how a system works so that you can get advantages for yourself, often in a slightly dishonest way: Lynn could show the rest of us how to work the system.28work somebody hard (also work somebody into the ground informal) to make someone work very hard: The coach has been working us really hard this week. People have complained that they are being worked into the ground.work yourself into the ground I’ve worked myself into the ground setting up this interview.29work your fingers to the bone (also work your socks off informal) to work very hard30work your butt/ass/arse off not polite to work very hard31calculate [transitive] American English formal to calculate the answer to a mathematical problem32work to rule British English to protest about a situation at work by doing your job slowly, with the excuse that you must obey all the rules exactly33(it) works for me/you etc spoken used to say that something is very suitable for someone and does exactly what they wanted or expected: I meditate and do Yoga every day. It works for me and I think it could work for you too.34work a trend/look etc to wear something fashionable – used especially in magazines: Gemma looks great as she works the nautical look. → work wonders
at wonder2(4)
, → work miracles
at miracle(4)
, → work your magic
at magic1(5)
work around (also work round somebody/something British English) phrasal verbto arrange or organize something so that you avoid problems that may stop you from doing something: John won’t be here on the 15th so we’ll have to work round that.work around to (also work round to something British English) phrasal verbto gradually mention a subject in a conversation or piece of writing, especially because it is embarrassing: You’ll have to work round to the subject gradually.work at phrasal verbto try hard to improve something or achieve something: Learning a language isn’t easy. You have to work at it.work at doing something couples who want to work at improving their relationshipwork in phrasal verb1 work something ↔ in (also work something into something) to include something in a speech, piece of writing, activity etc: He managed to work in a few references to his new book. Here are a few goodies you can work into your daily diet.2 work something ↔ in (also work something into something) to add one substance to another and mix them together in a very thorough way: Work the butter into the flour.3American English spoken to arrange to meet someone, even though you are very busySYN fit somebody in British English: My schedule’s pretty full, but I think I can work you in.work off phrasal verb1to get rid of something, especially a feeling such as anger, nervousness etc, by doing something that uses a lot of your energy: Walking is excellent for working off tension. I need to go and work off a few of these calories.2to do a job for someone else because you owe them money or because they have helped you in the past: She hasn’t worked off her debts to me yet.work on phrasal verb1to spend time working in order to produce or repair something: He has spent the last two years working on a book about childcare. Every weekend you see him working on his car.2to try very hard to improve or achieve something: A trainer has been brought in to work on her fitness.work on doing something We need to work on ensuring that the children feel safe and confident.3to try continuously to influence someone or persuade them to do something: You leave him to me. I’ll work on him.work out phrasal verb1plan work something ↔ out to think carefully about how you are going to do something and plan a good way of doing it: UN negotiators have worked out a set of compromise proposals.work out what/where/how etc We need to work out how we’re going to get there. I had it all worked out (=had made very careful plans).2calculate work something ↔ out to calculate an answer, amount, price etc: See if you can work this bill out.work out how much/how many etc We’ll have to work out how much food we’ll need for the party.3understand work something ↔ out especially British English to think about something and manage to understand it: The plot is very complicated – it’ll take you a while to work it out.work something out for yourself I’m sure you can work it out for yourself.4cost if a cost or amount works out at a particular figure, it is found to be that much when you calculate itwork out at/to £10/$500 etc The bill works out at £15 each.work out expensive/cheap etc (=be expensive or cheap) If we go by taxi, it’s going to work out very expensive.5get better if a problem or complicated situation works out, it gradually gets better or gets solved: Things will work out, you’ll see. I hope it all works out for Gina and Andy.work itself out I’m sure everything will work itself out.6happen if a situation works out in a particular way, it happens in that waySYN turn outwork out well/badly Financially, things have worked out well for us.7exercise to make your body fit and strong by doing exercises: He works out with weights twice a week. →
workout
8I can’t work somebody out British English spoken used to say that you cannot understand what someone is really like or why they behave in the way they do: I couldn’t work her out at all.9be worked out if a mine is worked out, all the coal, gold etc has been removed from itwork over phrasal verb informalto attack someone by hitting them several timeswork through phrasal verb1work through something to deal with problems or unpleasant feelings: After someone dies, it can take a long time to work through your grief.2if the result or effect of something works through, it becomes noticeable: The positive effect on businesses may take up to three years to work through.work up phrasal verb1 work up enthusiasm/interest/courage etc to make yourself feel interested, brave etc: I’m trying to work up enough courage to go to the dentist.2 work up an appetite/a thirst/a sweat to make yourself hungry or thirsty, or make yourself sweat, especially by doing physical exercise: You can work up a really big thirst playing tennis.3 work somebody up to make someone very angry, excited, or upset about somethingwork yourself up You’re working yourself up again. She had worked herself up into a state. →
worked up
4work something ↔ up to develop and improve something such as a project or a piece of writing: Jack took notes which he would work up into a report later.work up to phrasal verbto gradually prepare yourself to do something difficultwork up to doing something He’d been working up to asking her for a date all week.
work1 verb
work2 noun
workwork2 ●●●S1W1 noun
Entry menu
Word Origin
Examples
Thesaurus
Collocations
Phrases
Word family
1job [uncountable] a job or activity that you do regularly, especially in order to earn money → employment: There isn’t a lot of work at this time of the year. He’s been out of work (=without a job) for two years. More people are in work (=have a job) than ten years ago.before/after work (=before a day of work or at the end of a day of work) Do you want to go for a drink after work?► see thesaurus at
job
GRAMMAR: Comparisonwork• In this meaning, work is always an uncountable noun.• You say: · It may be hard for older people to find work.✗Don’t say: find a workjob• Job is a countable noun.• You say: · I applied for a job as a reporter.✗Don’t say: I applied for a work.• You say: · Her first job was in London.✗Don’t say: Her first work was in London.2place [uncountable] a place where you do your job, which is not your home: I had an accident on the way to work. He left work at the usual time. I went out with the girls from work last night.at work Dad’s at work right now.3duties [uncountable] the duties and activities that are part of your job: A large part of the work we do involves using computers. He starts work at 4 am. He’s started a business doing gardening and roofing work.4result [uncountable] something that you produce as a result of doing your job or doing an activity: Send a résumé and examples of your work. The building is the work of architect Rafael Moneo. The teacher should make sure that each child has a piece of work displayed on the wall. The standard of work has declined.5papers etc [uncountable] the papers and other materials you need for doing work: Can you move some of your work off the kitchen table? I often have to take work home with me.6book/painting/music [countable] something such as a painting, play, piece of music etc that is produced by a painter, writer, or musician: the Collected Works of Shakespeare It is another accomplished work by the artist. →
work of art
► see thesaurus at
music
7activity [uncountable] when you use physical or mental effort in order to achieve somethingwork on Work will start next month on a new swimming pool in the centre of the city. Looking after children can be hard work.carry out/do work You should not allow unqualified people to carry out work on your house.set to work/get down to work (=start work) He set to work immediately.8study [uncountable] study or research, especially for a particular purposecarry out/do work The centre carries out work to monitor trends in housing management. He did his postgraduate work in Sociology.9at worka)doing your job or a particular activity: He spent most of his time watching the fishermen at work.b)having a particular influence or effect: Volcanoes display some of nature’s most powerful forces at work.10the (whole) works spoken used after mentioning several things, to emphasize that someone or something has everything you can think of: The hotel had everything – sauna, swimming pool, the works.11nice work/quick work spoken used to praise someone for doing something well or quickly: That was quick work!12something is in the works/pipeline informal used to say that something is being planned or developed: Upgrades to the existing software are in the works.13worksa)[plural] activities involved in building or repairing things such as roads, bridges etcengineering works/irrigation works/roadworks the official in charge of the engineering works →
public works
b)[countable] (plural works) a building or group of buildings in which goods are produced in large quantities or an industrial process happensironworks/gasworks/cement etc works The brick works closed last year.14the works the moving parts of a machineSYN mechanism15operation [uncountable] an operation to make you look younger or more attractiveSYN cosmetic surgery: All these celebrities have had work done.16have your work cut out (for you) informal used to say that it will be very difficult to do something: The team will have their work cut out if they are to win the competition.17make short/light work of something to do something very quickly and easily: A microwave oven can make light work of the cooking.18make heavy/hard work of something to do something with difficulty: They made hard work of what should have been an easy game.19be a work in progress to not be finished or perfect yet: The garden is still very much a work in progress.20all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy) used to say that you should not spend all your time working, but should spend some of your time relaxing21force [uncountable] technical force multiplied by distance → be all in a day’s work
at day(21)
, → do somebody’s dirty work
at dirty1(8)
, → a nasty piece of work
at nasty(7)
, → nice work if you can get it
at nice(12)
COLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 3verbsstart work· He started work as a trainee accountant.look for work (also seek work formal)· Young people come to town looking for work.find work (=get a job)· It was difficult for them to find work.return to work/go back to work· His doctor agreed he was fit enough to return to work.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + workpart-time work· In recent years part-time work has become more popular.full-time work· Are you available for full-time work?paid work· She hasn’t done any paid work since she had children.secretarial/clerical/office work· I have a background in secretarial work.· She had done clerical work before she married.legal work (=work done by lawyers)· He will handle all the legal work.manual work (=work done with your hands)· Most of them were employed in manual work.voluntary work British English, volunteer work American English (=a job you are not paid for)· She also did voluntary work in a girls’ club.somebody’s daily work (=the work someone does every day)· When they finished their daily work they would be too tired for much except rest.phrasessomebody’s line of work (=type of work)· I meet lots of interesting people in my line of work.the work environment· It is important to have a pleasant work environment.work practices· She supported me enthusiastically in bringing in new work practices.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 7verbscarry out work· The work should be carried out without further delay.do work· He was doing some work on his father’s car.set to/get to/get down to work (=start work)· They set to work cutting down trees and brushwood.undertake work· About a three adults in ten undertake voluntary work.work starts/begins· Work had already started on the bridge when the error was spotted.work continues· Work is continuing on three major building projects.adjectiveshard· It’s been very hard work, but I’ve loved every moment of it.backbreaking (=very tiring)· Clearing the garden was slow, backbreaking work.arduous (=needing a lot of effort)· This was physically arduous work.heavy work (=hard physical work)· The heavy work is done by the gardener.light work (=work that is not physically hard)· He had been ill, but she found him some light work to do.