job description

American  

noun

1. an abstract of a job analysis containing the classification of and requirements for a job, used in hiring and placing prospective employees.

---

job description British  

noun

1. a detailed written account, agreed between management and worker, of all the duties and responsibilities which together make up a particular job

---

Etymology

Origin of job description

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

In one instance, he asked me to do a task that wasn’t in my job description.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

Others on the council pressed Pinto about what they saw as a lack of clarity on the job description.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

I was told I brought “too many ideas” and seemed interested more in doing “extra things” than what was in the job description.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026

Staff will be working to rule, refusing to cover absent colleagues and refusing to undertake any work outside their job description.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025

And if they weren't there, the container might still hold a clue that could help us find Nergal, something the police might have overlooked because investigating ancient monsters wasn't part of their job description.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda