occupational

American  

[ok-yuh-pey-shuh-nl] / ˌɒk yəˈpeɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

1. of or relating to an occupation, trade, or calling.

   occupational guidance.

2. of or relating to occupation.

   occupational troops.

---

occupational British  

/ ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by an occupation

   an occupational pension scheme

   an occupational disease

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonoccupational
  adjective
• occupationally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of occupational

First recorded in 1840–50; occupation + -al ¹

Explanation

If it has anything to do with your job, your work or your career, then you can describe it as occupational. Take the "al" off of occupational and you're left with occupation. So this adjective describes anything related to your occupation — you know, the professional work that keeps you occupied. You might hear people talk about "occupational hazards" — which can range from paper cuts to falling trees, depending on if you make a living filing or lumber-jacking.