workweek
HighFormal, Business, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The period of seven consecutive days designated as the standard time for paid employment.
The conventional Monday-to-Friday schedule, or any standard set of days considered normal working days (e.g., Sunday-Thursday in some cultures). It can also refer to the total number of hours worked in that period.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically refers to the structure of working days, not the act of working during that time. Often used when discussing labor laws, contracts, scheduling, and work-life balance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
"Workweek" is the dominant American English term. In British English, "working week" is far more common. "Workweek" is understood but sounds distinctly American.
Connotations
Both terms are neutral and functional. The American term can subtly imply a more corporate or standardized view, while "working week" is slightly more descriptive.
Frequency
"Working week" is the clear preference in UK publications and speech. "Workweek" is the standard in all American contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Adjective] + workweek (e.g., a shortened workweek)workweek + of + [Number] + hoursduring/in the workweekVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A four-day workweek is gaining popularity.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The standard workweek in the contract is 37.5 hours.
Academic
The study examined the correlation between a longer workweek and stress levels.
Everyday
My workweek is so hectic that I really look forward to the weekend.
Technical
Labor regulations define the maximum allowable hours per workweek.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- They introduced a workweek policy.
American English
- The workweek schedule is posted online.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My workweek is from Monday to Friday.
- The workweek is five days long.
- A shorter workweek can improve employee well-being.
- Her workweek often includes a few hours on Saturday.
- The union is negotiating for a reduced 35-hour workweek.
- Despite the official workweek, many professionals check emails at weekends.
- The pilot study on a four-day workweek yielded significant gains in productivity and job satisfaction.
- Legislation was passed to redefine the statutory workweek to include remote working hours.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'work' and 'week' combined: the part of the WEEK designated for WORK.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER (e.g., "pack a lot into the workweek"), A JOURNEY (e.g., "get through the workweek"), or A COMMODITY (e.g., "shorten the workweek").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque like *"рабочая неделя"* when speaking English if aiming for a British audience; use 'working week'. It is a trap because the Russian phrase directly mirrors the American term 'workweek'.
- Do not confuse with 'business week' which refers to Monday-Friday in financial contexts, not the personal schedule.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as two words: 'work week' (acceptable but less common as a single compound in American English).
- Using 'workweek' in formal British English writing where 'working week' is expected.
- Confusing 'workweek' with 'workload' (the amount of work).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is preferred in British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, it is standard as one compound word: 'workweek'. In British English, it is typically two words: 'working week'.
No, while commonly Monday-Friday, it refers to the standard working days for a given job or country. For example, in some Middle Eastern countries, the workweek might be Sunday to Thursday.
'Workweek' is the closed compound form, standard in American English. 'Work week' (open compound) is also understood but less formal in AmE and is closer to the British 'working week' format. Consistency in usage is key.
No, 'workweek' is exclusively a noun. There is no verb form 'to workweek'.