Definition

Noun: A person employed for a limited period of time or for a specific project, rather than as a permanent member of staff. This term often refers to someone hired through an agency to fill short-term needs, such as covering for absent employees or handling increased workloads.

Usage

The term "temporary worker" is used to describe the employment status of an individual. It is commonly used in business, human resources, and legal contexts to distinguish from permanent employees. - It functions as a countable noun. - It is often modified by other terms specifying the field (e.g., office temporary worker, construction temporary worker).

Examples

• The company hired several temporary workers to manage the holiday season rush.
• As a temporary worker, her contract is for six months.
• The new policy outlines the benefits available to temporary workers.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/HR Context: The rights and protections for a "temporary worker" can differ from those of permanent employees, often depending on local labor laws and the length of service.
• Economic Context: The number of temporary workers in an economy can be an indicator of labor market flexibility.

Variants and Related Words

• Temp (n.): A common, informal shortening of "temporary worker."
  • She worked as a temp for a few months before finding a permanent job.
• Temporary Staff (n. phrase): Refers to a group of temporary workers collectively.
• Contract Worker (n.): A similar concept, though a contract worker may have a longer or more project-specific agreement, not always considered strictly "temporary."
• Interim Worker (n.): Often used synonymously, especially for roles filled between permanent appointments.

Synonyms

• Interim employee
• Short-term hire
• Contingent worker (a broader category that can include temporary workers)

Antonyms

• Permanent employee
• Full-time staff
• Regular worker

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Temporary work: The state or condition of being employed temporarily.
  • He was engaged in temporary work for most of the year.
• Temporary agency: A company that recruits and places temporary workers with client businesses.
  • She found the job through a temporary agency.

Noun

1. a worker (especially in an office) hired on a temporary basis