Is 'workingperson' one word or two?

It is a single compound word: 'workingperson'. Writing it as two words ('working person') is a common error, though it would be understood.

What is the main reason to use 'workingperson' instead of 'worker'?

The primary reason is to use explicitly gender-neutral language. 'Worker' is already neutral but 'workingperson' makes this neutrality more formal and pronounced, which is sometimes required in official or academic writing.

Is 'workingperson' a common word?

No, it has a low frequency. It is far less common than synonyms like 'worker', 'employee', or 'staff member'. You will encounter it primarily in formal, sociological, or legal/policy contexts.

Can 'workingperson' refer to someone in an office job?

Yes, while it has historical roots in manual labour, its modern use is broader and can refer to any employed individual, including office workers, especially when used in gender-neutral or formal contexts.

workingperson

Low

UK/ˌwɜːkɪŋˈpɜːsən/US/ˌwɝːkɪŋˈpɝːsən/

Formal, Sociological, Official documents

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

An adult who is employed and earns money for their work, especially in a job requiring physical effort or manual labour.

A member of the workforce; an individual who engages in regular employment, often with implications of contributing to society through labour. In contemporary use, it can also be an inclusive, gender-neutral alternative to 'working man' or 'working woman'.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

This is a compound noun ('working' + 'person'). It carries a tone of dignity and respect for labour. It is less common than 'worker' or 'employee'. While historically associated with manual labour, in modern contexts it can refer to any employed individual.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The term is used in both varieties, but is more likely to be encountered in formal or official writing (e.g., government reports, union communications) than in everyday speech. No significant spelling or pronunciation difference.

Connotations

In both varieties, it has a formal, somewhat bureaucratic or sociological tone. In American usage, it can be seen as politically correct language, especially in contexts discussing gender-inclusivity.

Frequency

More common than the archaic 'workingman' but significantly less common than simple synonyms like 'worker' or 'employee' in both dialects.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

average workingpersonrights of the workingpersonhard-workingpersontax relief for the workingperson

medium

ordinary workingpersonresponsible workingpersonskilled workingpersonlife of a workingperson

weak

honest workingpersonlocal workingpersondedicated workingpersonsingle workingperson

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Determiner] + workingperson + [verb phrase]The/a/an + adjective + workingpersonFor the + workingperson

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

workeremployee

Neutral

workeremployeewage-earnerlabourer

Weak

jobholderstaff memberproletarian (Marxist context)breadwinner

Vocabulary

Antonyms

unemployed personjobless personbenefit claimantcapitalistretireeidler

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“From workingperson to workingperson”
“A workingperson's budget”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare. More common to use 'employee', 'staff', or 'worker'.

Academic

Used in sociology, economics, or gender studies to denote individuals in the labour force in a neutral way.

Everyday

Very rare. 'Worker' or 'someone with a job' is used instead.

Technical

Used in legal or policy documents aiming for gender-neutral language (e.g., 'workingperson's compensation').

Examples

By CEFR Level

A workingperson goes to a job every day.
My mum is a workingperson.

The new policy is designed to help the average workingperson.
It can be difficult for a single workingperson to buy a house in the city.

The tax cuts were touted as beneficial for the typical workingperson, though critics disputed this.
As a skilled workingperson, she valued her union membership for job protection.

The legislation aimed to redefine the rights of the 21st-century workingperson in the gig economy.
His research focused on the shifting identity of the workingperson in post-industrial societies.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a PERSON who is WORKING. Combine them: WORKING + PERSON = WORKINGPERSON.

Conceptual Metaphor

THE WORKINGPERSON IS THE BACKBONE OF SOCIETY. THE WORKINGPERSON IS A COG IN THE ECONOMIC MACHINE.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct translation as 'рабочий человек', which sounds unnatural. Use 'работник', 'рабочий', or 'трудящийся' (formal) instead.
Do not confuse with 'трудоголик' (workaholic). 'Workingperson' describes employment status, not addiction to work.

Common Mistakes

Using it in casual conversation where 'worker' would be more natural.
Spelling as two separate words: 'working person'. While understandable, the standard form is a single compound.
Overusing it to sound formal or inclusive when simpler terms exist.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The proposed law offers new protections for the modern .

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'workingperson' MOST appropriately used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is a single compound word: 'workingperson'. Writing it as two words ('working person') is a common error, though it would be understood.
: The primary reason is to use explicitly gender-neutral language. 'Worker' is already neutral but 'workingperson' makes this neutrality more formal and pronounced, which is sometimes required in official or academic writing.
: No, it has a low frequency. It is far less common than synonyms like 'worker', 'employee', or 'staff member'. You will encounter it primarily in formal, sociological, or legal/policy contexts.
: Yes, while it has historical roots in manual labour, its modern use is broader and can refer to any employed individual, including office workers, especially when used in gender-neutral or formal contexts.