decent job

USAGE SUMMARY

'decent job' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a job that is satisfactory in terms of pay or job duties. For example, "I'm looking for a decent job that I can do from home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Decent job.

The Guardian - Sport

Just a decent job.

The New York Times

Google maps did a decent job.

The New York Times

"Do I have a decent job?

The New York Times

He did a decent job destabilizing himself.

The New York Times

He got a decent job doing construction.

The New York Times - Magazine

The chance to get a decent job.

The Guardian

"I can't find a decent job.

The New York Times

I think I've done a decent job.

The New York Times - Sports

They can't get a decent job".

The New York Times

I think he does a decent job.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing job opportunities, use "decent job" to convey that the position offers fair compensation and reasonable working conditions.

Common error

While "decent job" is widely understood, it might sound too informal in professional documents like resumes or cover letters. Opt for more formal alternatives like "suitable position" or "respectable occupation" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent job" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "job". It generally describes a job that is considered satisfactory or acceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent job" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a job that is satisfactory in terms of pay and working conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While generally neutral, it may be more appropriate to use formal alternatives like "suitable position" in professional settings. As evidenced by numerous examples, the phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business contexts. Therefore, when seeking or discussing employment, "decent job" is a clear and effective term for communicating basic job expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable work

Focuses on the acceptability and fairness of the job.

satisfactory employment

Emphasizes that the employment is adequate and meets expectations.

suitable position

Highlights the appropriateness of the role for someone's skills and qualifications.

respectable occupation

Conveys the idea that the job is honorable and well-regarded.

acceptable profession

Suggests that the career is tolerable or meets a minimum standard.

fair career

Emphasizes justice and equitable treatment within the career.

tolerable post

Indicates that the job is bearable or endurable, though not necessarily ideal.

passable livelihood

Suggests that the job provides just enough to live on.

adequate means of income

Focuses on the job providing sufficient financial resources.

modest employment

Highlights the humble or unassuming nature of the job.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent job" to describe a position that offers reasonable pay and working conditions. For example, "I'm looking for a "decent job" with good benefits".

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

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "suitable position", "respectable occupation", or "satisfactory employment".

Is it correct to say "a decent job" or "an decent job"?

The correct usage is "a decent job" because "decent" starts with a consonant sound. You use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "decent job" and "dream job"?

"Decent job" refers to a job that meets basic expectations and provides reasonable satisfaction, while "dream job" describes a career that aligns perfectly with one's passions and aspirations. A "decent job" is satisfactory, whereas a dream job is ideal.