decent career

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent career" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a career that is satisfactory or respectable, often implying a level of success or stability. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she finally landed a decent career in marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Money

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

150 pitches, I don't care.' This is a decent career.

The New York Times - Sports

Townsend, though, has a chance of having a decent career".

The Guardian - Sport

Once upon a time students could rely on their degree to give them a leg-up to a decent career.

The Guardian - Money

He is 30-years-old and has had more than a decent career in the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

She settled in East Germany, marrying again and making a decent career for herself in the film industry.

The Guardian

Between his performances in "The Hours" and "Pleasantville," Hartl argues that Daniels has put together a decent career.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Decent careers have been built on less.

The Guardian - Music

Entire islands run the risk of becoming "company towns", unable to provide decent careers and lives for their residents.

The Guardian - Opinion

If May is serious about tackling inequality she will have to show that her government can provide routes into decent careers beyond university degrees.

The Guardian - Business

Other groups, however, have welcomed the scheme as an important step in addressing skills shortages and a way of broadening young people's routes into decent careers.

The Guardian

"All the evidence is that you need trained professionals to provide decent careers advice, and what you also need is face-to-face guidance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decent career", consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize: its respectability, stability, or potential for growth. Tailor your language to reflect this focus for clarity.

Common error

While "decent career" is acceptable in many situations, avoid relying on it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the nuances of career achievement and satisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent career" functions as a noun phrase, where "decent" modifies the noun "career". Ludwig examples show it's used to describe a career that is satisfactory, respectable, or provides a reasonable standard of living.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Money

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent career" is a commonly used phrase to describe a professional life that is satisfactory and respectable. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and is mostly found in the news and media, sport and money contexts. While acceptable in many settings, it's important to consider the specific context and whether a more precise or sophisticated term might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "respectable profession" or "successful career" may be suitable for more formal situations. When using "decent career", be mindful of the aspect you want to emphasize—stability, respectability, or potential for growth—and adjust your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectable profession

Emphasizes the social standing and regard associated with the career.

satisfactory occupation

Focuses on the level of contentment and fulfillment derived from the job.

reasonable livelihood

Highlights the ability of the career to provide a sufficient income.

stable employment

Stresses the security and consistency of the job.

promising vocation

Suggests the potential for future growth and success within the career.

adequate career path

Focuses on the sufficiency and suitability of the career trajectory.

tolerable work life

Highlights the bearable and manageable aspects of the career.

notable professional life

Emphasizes the achievements and recognition gained in the career.

fulfilling professional journey

Focuses on the emotional satisfaction and personal growth experienced throughout the career.

successful working life

Highlights achievements and favorable results in the career.

FAQs

How can I use "decent career" in a sentence?

You can use "decent career" to describe a career that is satisfactory or respectable. For example: "After years of hard work, she finally has a decent career in marketing."

What's a more formal way to say "decent career"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "respectable profession" or "successful career" to convey a higher level of sophistication.

Is it correct to say "a decent career" or should it be "an decent career"?

It is correct to say "a decent career" because "decent" starts with a consonant sound. Therefore, the indefinite article "a" is used.

What is the difference between "decent career" and "successful career"?

"Decent career" implies a satisfactory or respectable level of achievement, while "successful career" suggests a higher degree of accomplishment and recognition.