repairperson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral to Formal, Gender-neutral
Quick answer
What does “repairperson” mean?
A gender-neutral term for someone whose job is to fix machines, equipment, or structures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A gender-neutral term for someone whose job is to fix machines, equipment, or structures.
A professional skilled in diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical, or structural faults in various systems, from appliances to buildings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally gender-neutral, but slightly more prevalent in US contexts promoting inclusive language. In the UK, 'repairer' or 'technician' may be more common.
Connotations
Connotes modernity and conscious avoidance of gender-specific terms. Can sound slightly bureaucratic or consciously PC.
Frequency
Rare in everyday casual speech in both varieties. More frequent in official job titles, policy documents, or formal written communications.
Grammar
How to Use “repairperson” in a Sentence
[repairperson + VERB] (e.g., The repairperson fixed the boiler.)[call/contact/hire + repairperson][repairperson + for + OBJECT] (e.g., a repairperson for computers)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR policies, job advertisements, and corporate communications to ensure gender neutrality.
Academic
Rare. Used in sociolinguistic discussions about language and gender.
Everyday
Infrequent. More likely in formal requests or when specifically emphasizing gender inclusivity.
Technical
Used in manuals or service contracts where a gender-neutral occupational title is required.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “repairperson”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repairperson”
- Using 'repairperson' as a verb (e.g., 'I will repairperson the sink').
- Spelling as two words: 'repair person'. (Standard is one word or hyphenated: repairperson/repair-person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has low frequency. It is used primarily in contexts requiring gender-neutral language, such as official documents or inclusive policies. In casual speech, people often use 'technician', 'repairer', or the gender-specific 'repairman'.
A 'repairperson' specifically denotes someone who fixes broken items. A 'technician' is a broader term for a specialist in practical technology, which can include installation, maintenance, and repair work. 'Technician' is often more common and slightly more formal.
The standard plural is 'repairpeople', following the pattern of 'person/people'. The form 'repairpersons' is also occasionally seen but is less common.
Yes, it is considered a politically correct, gender-inclusive term. Its usage signals an awareness and avoidance of gender bias in language, especially regarding occupations traditionally associated with one gender.
A gender-neutral term for someone whose job is to fix machines, equipment, or structures.
Repairperson is usually neutral to formal, gender-neutral in register.
Repairperson: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpeəˌpɜːs(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈperˌpɜːrs(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A PERSON who performs REPAIRs. It combines the two words directly.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAINTENANCE IS HEALTH (a repairperson is a 'doctor' for machines).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary motivation for using the term 'repairperson' over 'repairman'?