telework: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “telework” mean?
To work from home or another remote location using telecommunications technology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To work from home or another remote location using telecommunications technology.
The practice or system of working remotely, enabled by digital tools, rather than commuting to a central workplace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'teleworking' is the more common gerund/noun form, whereas American English slightly favours 'telecommute' as a verb. 'Telework' is standard in both but more established in formal/official contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal, often corporate or governmental, connotation. It may imply a structured, policy-driven arrangement, as opposed to the more casual 'working from home'.
Frequency
Lower frequency than 'work from home' or 'remote work' in everyday speech, but high in HR, management, and policy documents.
Grammar
How to Use “telework” in a Sentence
[Subj] teleworks[Subj] teleworks from [location][Subj] teleworks [number] days a weekVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “telework” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She teleworks three days a week to avoid the London commute.
- The new software allows more staff to telework securely.
American English
- He teleworks from a co-working space in Austin.
- Federal employees may telework during inclement weather.
adverb
British English
- [Rarely used as an adverb; 'remotely' is used instead]
American English
- [Rarely used as an adverb; 'remotely' is used instead]
adjective
British English
- The telework agreement must be signed by your line manager.
- We need to review our telework policy.
American English
- She applied for a telework position to reduce childcare costs.
- Telework capabilities were crucial during the pandemic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR policies and corporate communications to describe formal remote working schemes.
Academic
Found in sociological, management, and urban studies research on the future of work.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; 'work from home' or 'WFH' is preferred.
Technical
Used in IT and telecommunications literature discussing the infrastructure for remote work.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “telework”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “telework”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “telework”
- Using 'telework' to mean freelance work (it's about location, not employment type).
- Confusing 'telework' (system/practice) with 'teleworker' (the person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Telework refers to the location (remote), while freelancing refers to the type of employment (self-employed). A teleworker is often a full-time employee of a company.
'Remote work' is a broader, more contemporary umbrella term. 'Telework' is a slightly older, more formal term that specifically highlights the role of telecommunications technology.
Yes, though less common than the verb. As a noun, it refers to the practice or system (e.g., 'Telework has become standard').
It is used in both varieties, but is more likely to be found in official or technical writing than in casual speech in either country.
To work from home or another remote location using telecommunications technology.
Telework is usually formal/technical in register.
Telework: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛlɪwɜːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛləˌwɜːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TELEphone + WORK = work done over distance via phone/tech lines.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE OFFICE IS A NETWORK (not a physical place).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most synonymous with 'telework' in a formal business context?