a vacant position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vacant position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a job or role that is unfilled and available for someone to take. Example: "We are currently seeking candidates to apply for a vacant position in our marketing department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He will reflect on his stint as lieutenant governor, a vacant position Gov.

The New York Times

Mr. Davidson, 58 years old, will become chairman of the executive committee of the board, currently a vacant position.

The New York Times

The law requires employers to offer "reasonable accommodation," including "reassignment to a vacant position" for which the worker is qualified.

The New York Times

And Trump is close to filling a vacant position at the Federal Reserve that could play a key role in easing industry regulations.

The Washington Post

Mr. Paterson has argued that state law grants governors the authority to fill a vacant position if no law specifies how that position is to be filled.

The New York Times

He was educated as a midfielder but I had a vacant position for him because I had injuries and thought he could do the job.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Sauber driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen was also linked to a possible vacant position for 1996 in the Williams team.

Wikipedia

A majority of the number of directors, including any vacant positions, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting, except that vacancies may be filled by a quorum consisting of a majority of the directors holding office as provided in Section 4 of this article.

Cornell University

The $1.4 million would be used to fill a dozen vacant positions and buy patrol cars.

Los Angeles Times

The latest Labour Market Survey showed that while there are nearly half a million vacant positions, there are 2.5 million unemployed who want them.

Vice

The latest Labor Market Survey showed that while there are nearly half a million vacant positions, there are 2.5 million unemployed who want them.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, use this phrase to describe unoccupied molecular or cellular sites, as seen in Ludwig's examples regarding aromatic rings.

Common error

Do not use "a free position" when you mean a job opening. 'Free' can imply 'without cost' or 'unrestricted' rather than 'unfilled'. Professional writing requires 'vacant' or 'open' to maintain clarity in employment status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vacant position" functions as a noun phrase consisting of an indefinite article, an attributive adjective and a head noun. According to Ludwig AI, it typically serves as the direct object of verbs like 'fill', 'create', 'eliminate' or 'find'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a vacant position" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct phrase suitable for a wide range of formal contexts. Ludwig AI shows that while it is most frequently used in employment and recruitment discussions, it has significant technical utility in chemistry and computational biology. It is preferred over less precise terms like 'empty spot' or potentially confusing ones like 'free position'. Whether you are writing a corporate budget report or a scientific paper, using "a vacant position" ensures your meaning is clear, professional and authoritative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an open position

Highly interchangeable but often implies the recruitment process is active.

a vacancy

A more concise noun form that serves the same semantic purpose.

a job opening

More common in informal or digital recruitment contexts.

an open role

Modern business jargon often preferred in tech and startup environments.

an available role

Focuses on the function or 'role' rather than the structural 'position'.

an unfilled post

More formal and often used in civil service or institutional contexts.

a current opening

Emphasizes that the opportunity exists at the present moment.

a staff opening

Specifically refers to personnel needs within an organization.

an unoccupied seat

Can be literal or used figuratively in governance and board contexts.

an available spot

Less formal and used in casual team or educational settings.

FAQs

How do I use "a vacant position" in a professional email?

You can use it when inquiring about employment, such as: 'I am writing to inquire if there is "a vacant position" within your marketing team'. You could also use "an open role" for a slightly more modern tone.

What is the difference between "a vacant position" and "a vacancy"?

There is no functional difference in meaning. "a vacant position" is a noun phrase while "a vacancy" is a single noun. The former is slightly more descriptive and formal.

Is it correct to say "a vacant position" in scientific writing?

Yes, as shown in Ludwig's data from BMC Cancer, it is frequently used to describe a "vacant position of an aromatic ring" or other physical gaps in structures.

Can I say "an open position" instead of "a vacant position"?

Yes, "an open position" is a perfect synonym and is often used interchangeably in recruitment and news reporting.