seˈcondment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, primarily business, academic, and institutional contexts.
Quick answer
What does “seˈcondment” mean?
The temporary transfer of an employee to another department, role, organization, or location.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The temporary transfer of an employee to another department, role, organization, or location.
A period during which a person is assigned to work in a different capacity or setting, often for development, special projects, or inter-organizational cooperation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both UK and US English, but it is significantly more common and institutionalized in UK English, particularly in government, academia, and the civil service. In the US, 'temporary assignment,' 'detail,' or 'loan' may be used more frequently in corporate contexts.
Connotations
In UK contexts, it often carries positive professional development connotations. In US contexts, it can sound formal or bureaucratic.
Frequency
High frequency in UK professional jargon; lower frequency in everyday US English, where it is recognized but less commonly used.
Grammar
How to Use “seˈcondment” in a Sentence
be on secondment to [organisation/department]go on secondment from [organisation] to [organisation]be seconded to [organisation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seˈcondment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was seconded to the Ministry of Defence for two years.
- Several staff have been seconded to work on the merger.
American English
- She was seconded to the United Nations project in Geneva.
- The analyst was seconded to the Federal Reserve.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for cross-training employees, filling skill gaps, or managing special projects. 'She's on a six-month secondment to the Singapore office.'
Academic
Common for faculty exchanges between universities or placements in industry. 'His secondment to the research institute yielded significant publications.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; would be explained if used.
Technical
Used in HR and public administration to describe formal personnel mobility schemes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seˈcondment”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seˈcondment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seˈcondment”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈsekəndmənt/ (like 'second' + ment).
- Using it to mean a permanent promotion or a side job.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, the original employer continues to pay salary and benefits, though the host organization may reimburse costs. This is defined in the secondment agreement.
While its primary purpose is temporary, a secondment can sometimes evolve into a permanent role if both parties agree, but this is not its default function.
Yes, it is generally viewed positively as it demonstrates adaptability, new skill acquisition, and trust from your employer.
A secondment is for experienced employees temporarily transferred within or between organizations. An internship is typically a fixed-term placement for students or new entrants to gain initial experience.
The temporary transfer of an employee to another department, role, organization, or location.
Seˈcondment is usually formal, primarily business, academic, and institutional contexts. in register.
Seˈcondment: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈkɒndmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪˈkɑːndmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SECONDment as giving someone a SECOND role for a while.
Conceptual Metaphor
BORROWING/LENDING (an employee is 'loaned out').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a secondment?