career woman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, occasionally journalistic. Can be neutral or slightly dated/loaded depending on context.
Quick answer
What does “career woman” mean?
A woman whose main focus and priority in life is her professional work and advancement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman whose main focus and priority in life is her professional work and advancement.
A woman who prioritizes her professional ambitions over traditional domestic roles; often implying dedication, independence, and a long-term commitment to her job or profession. The term can carry connotations about lifestyle choices, relationship status, and societal expectations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and frequency are similar. The term is present in both varieties, with perhaps slightly more historical usage in British English in certain formal/journalistic contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term can have slightly dated or stereotypical connotations, potentially implying a choice between career and family. It may be perceived as less neutral than simply 'professional woman.'
Frequency
Medium-low and declining in formal writing, as more neutral language is preferred. Still encountered in older texts, certain journalism, and sociological discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “career woman” in a Sentence
She is described as a career woman.The article profiled several high-flying career women.The term 'career woman' is sometimes considered old-fashioned.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “career woman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is often career-womanning it in London, juggling meetings and conferences.
American English
- She's been career-womanning for decades, building her own company from scratch.
adverb
British English
- She lived her life career-womanly, with a diary packed with work commitments.
American English
- She approached the negotiation career-womanly, with clear goals and assertiveness.
adjective
British English
- She had a very career-woman attitude, prioritising her promotion above all.
American English
- The film portrayed a classic career-woman lifestyle in 1980s New York.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in profiles, discussions of work-life balance, or diversity topics. 'The firm aims to support career women with flexible working arrangements.'
Academic
Found in sociology, gender studies, and history papers analyzing women's roles in the workforce. 'The post-war construction of the 'career woman' challenged domestic ideals.'
Everyday
Can be used descriptively, but may sound slightly formal or judgmental. 'My aunt was a real career woman; she travelled the world for her job.'
Technical
Not typically a technical term. Might appear in HR policy documents in a non-technical sense.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “career woman”
- Using it as a default for any working woman (over-specific). Using it in a context where 'colleague' or 'manager' would be more precise. Assuming it is always a complimentary term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, expressing admiration for dedication and success. However, it can also be used neutrally or with negative connotations (e.g., implying neglect of family), depending on context and speaker bias.
Because historically, a man's career was the societal default expectation. Gendering the term highlights that a woman's primary focus on career was seen as a marked, noteworthy choice deviating from traditional norms.
Use her specific title: e.g., 'engineer,' 'surgeon,' 'lawyer,' 'CEO.' This is more accurate and respectful.
Yes. It was more common and neutral in the mid-20th century. Today, it is used less frequently in formal/professional settings due to increased awareness of gender-neutral language and the potential for stereotyping.
A woman whose main focus and priority in life is her professional work and advancement.
Career woman is usually formal, occasionally journalistic. can be neutral or slightly dated/loaded depending on context. in register.
Career woman: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrɪə ˌwʊmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈrɪr ˌwʊmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Married to her job”
- “On the fast track”
- “Climbing the corporate ladder”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a woman whose CAREER is her primary identity, not an add-on.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAREER IS A PATH/JOURNEY (she is on a career path). WOMAN IS AN AGENT (she actively pursues goals).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most neutral modern alternative to 'career woman'?