full time

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • The standard number of hours worked in a job or occupation: "full time" refers to the complete or standard period of time allocated for employment, typically 35–40 hours per week.
    • A period of work that occupies all of one's available time: It denotes a commitment to work that leaves no room for other major activities.

  2. Adjective (used attributively as "full-time"):

    • Working or involving the standard number of hours: Describes a job, position, or activity that requires the full normal working schedule.
    • Dedicated entirely to a particular activity: Indicates that a person gives all their time to a pursuit, such as a student or athlete.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • He works full time at the factory. (He works the standard number of hours for his job.)
    • She is studying full time and cannot take on extra work. (She devotes all her available hours to study.)

  • Adjective:

    • She got a full-time position as a nurse. (A job requiring the normal weekly hours.)
    • They are full-time volunteers at the shelter. (They dedicate all their working hours to volunteering.)
Advanced Usage

  • "in full time": used to indicate the duration of an activity.

    • The course is completed in full time over one year. (The course runs for the standard academic period without breaks.)

  • "on a full-time basis": a formal phrase meaning as a regular, full-time commitment.

    • She works on a full-time basis at the university. (She is employed for the standard weekly hours.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Full-time (adj): the hyphenated form used before a noun.

    • He is a full-time employee. (He works the standard number of hours.)

  • Full-timer (n): a person who works full time.

    • The company has 50 full-timers and 20 part-timers. (Employees who work the standard schedule.)

  • Full-time equivalent (n): a unit measuring the number of full-time workers, including part-time workers converted to full-time.

    • The department has 10 full-time equivalent staff. (The total workload equals ten full-time workers.)
Synonyms
  • Standard hours: the normal or usual number of hours worked.
  • Regular employment: a job with a fixed schedule of full weekly hours.
  • Complete schedule: a timetable that fills all available working time.
Antonyms
  • Part time: working fewer hours than the standard full-time schedule.
  • Casual work: occasional or irregular employment not meeting full-time requirements.
Related Idioms

  • "Full-time job": used metaphorically to describe a task that requires constant effort.

    • Keeping the garden tidy is a full-time job. (It demands as much time and energy as a regular job.)

  • "Work full time": a common phrase meaning to be employed for the standard weekly hours.

    • She works full time and studies part time. (She is employed for 35–40 hours per week.)