independent contractor

American  

[in-di-pen-duhnt kon-trak-ter] / ˈɪn dɪˌpɛn dənt ˈkɒn træk tər /

noun

1. a self-employed skilled worker hired to do a piece of work under a contract that allows them to control how the work is carried out.

   Many of us work part-time or, like me, are independent contractors doing freelance work for various companies and individuals.

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Etymology

Origin of independent contractor

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Rather than simply identify as a consultant or independent contractor, the trendy thing is to think of yourself as the boss of You Inc.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

If he’s done anything about independent contractor abuse while serving in the Senate, I don’t know about it.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2025

There's nobody coming to bail out an independent contractor practice.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2025

The clearest parallels can be drawn in other independent contractor roles, which make up around 15 percent of U.S. workers.

From Slate • Oct. 13, 2024

Each such arbitrator is an independent contractor acting on behalf of the United States, and shall be hired pursuant to a signed agreement between the Library of Congress and the arbitrator.

From Copyright Law of the United States of America and Related Laws Contained in Title 17 of the United States Code, Circular 92 by United States