hireling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, literary, often pejorative
Quick answer
What does “hireling” mean?
a person who works for money, especially one considered to lack personal commitment or integrity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a person who works for money, especially one considered to lack personal commitment or integrity.
Someone employed to perform services, often with a derogatory implication that they are motivated solely by payment rather than loyalty, principle, or passion; a mercenary follower.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally understood and used similarly in both varieties; slightly more common in British historical/literary contexts.
Connotations
Consistently pejorative in both, implying contemptible servitude.
Frequency
Low frequency in both; a somewhat archaic or literary term.
Grammar
How to Use “hireling” in a Sentence
hireling + of + [organization/person]hireling + for + [purpose]adjective + hirelingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hireling” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He dismissed the accusations as the work of a hireling press.
American English
- The regime was defended by hireling propagandists.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; if used, highly critical, e.g., 'We don't want hirelings; we want passionate team members.'
Academic
Used in historical, political, or literary analysis to describe mercenary actors.
Everyday
Very rare; would be considered a strong insult.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hireling”
- Using it as a neutral term for any employee.
- Confusing with 'hirer' (the one who hires).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively rare and has a formal, literary, or archaic feel. It is used for deliberate, often derogatory effect.
Almost never. Its etymology and historical usage are firmly pejorative, implying a person who is hired and therefore servile or untrustworthy.
While both imply being motivated by pay, 'mercenary' is specifically and primarily used for soldiers. 'Hireling' is broader and can apply to any role (soldier, writer, politician) and carries a stronger connotation of contemptible servility.
Primarily a noun. It can be used attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'hireling scribes'), but this is less common.
a person who works for money, especially one considered to lack personal commitment or integrity.
Hireling is usually formal, literary, often pejorative in register.
Hireling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪə.lɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪr.lɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hireling of fortune (archaic)”
- “hireling pen (derogatory for a propagandist writer)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HIRE + LING → think of a 'hire' as a job and '-ling' as a small or contemptible person (like 'underling'). A 'hireling' is a contemptible hired person.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE MERCENARIES (with negative evaluation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'hireling' be LEAST appropriate?