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employability

American  
[em-ploi-uh-bil-i-tee] / ɛmˌplɔɪ əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

  1. the fact, condition, or degree of being employable, especially in terms of work skills or readiness for the job market.


Explanation

A person's employability is anything that makes them able to get and keep a job. If nurses are in high demand, a nursing college might rightfully brag about the employability of its graduates. Employability comes from employ, or "hire for a job," and its Latin root, implicare, which means "to be connected with." Your employability is your ability to be employed, or to have paid work. In general, college graduates are thought of as having better employability, but it depends what kind of job they're trying to get. If you want to work as an electrician, your training and experience matter a lot more than your education, when it comes to employability!

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In these three years, our exports have grown, helping increase added value in employability and economic development.

From Barron's May 14, 2026

Issues of employability are complex in China, and Zhang was known for his extremely pragmatic approach.

From BBC Mar. 27, 2026

Tony Ball, a Conservative councillor and cabinet member for education, excellence, lifelong learning and employability for Essex County Council, said absence policies at schools can differ.

From BBC Oct. 31, 2024

Participants' employment status and employability were assessed at age 18.

From Science Daily Mar. 14, 2024

Human capital is a person’s education, job credentials, and employability.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

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