decent work

USAGE SUMMARY

"decent work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe jobs, wages, or working conditions that are satisfactory, fair, and just. For example: "In my opinion, everyone should have access to decent work so they can pursue a comfortable lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They need decent work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It seemed like decent work.

The New York Times - Magazine

That made it hard for them to find decent work.

The New York Times

Decent work, decent labour standards for workers everywhere".

The Guardian

"It is high time that decent wages were paid for decent work again," he said.

Independent

It's not that they couldn't find work, but that they couldn't find decent work.

The New York Times

The Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers has been three years in the making.

The Economist

Warmsley adds: "A lot of bands get derailed because they don't have a decent work ethic".

Independent

"Let's not discuss it, O.K.? I haven't been able to find decent work in Belarus, yet".

The New York Times

report, titled "HIV/AIDS: A threat to decent work, productivity and development".

The New York Times

"Those kids deserve a decent education, but we as teachers deserve a decent work atmosphere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about employment, use "decent work" to specifically highlight the quality of work, including fair wages, safe conditions, and opportunities for growth.

Common error

Avoid using "decent work" interchangeably with simply having any job. "Decent work" implies quality, fair conditions, and respect for workers, not just the mere existence of employment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent work" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "work". Ludwig AI explains that it describes jobs, wages, or working conditions that are satisfactory, fair, and just. This means it acts as a descriptor of a specific type of employment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent work" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe employment that is fair, safe, and provides adequate compensation and opportunities for growth. Ludwig AI confirms its description of jobs, wages, or working conditions that are satisfactory, fair, and just. It is frequently used in news, science, and formal business contexts to advocate for improved labor standards and worker rights, and ensure the quality of work, including fair wages, safe conditions, and opportunities for growth. Alternatives include "good work", "fair employment", and "dignified employment". A key writing tip is to use "decent work" to advocate for improved labor standards, and be cautious not to use it when the employment isn't of quality or fairness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Good work

Replaces "decent" with "good", indicating a generally positive assessment of the work.

Fair employment

Focuses on the fairness aspect of employment, highlighting just treatment and opportunities.

Dignified employment

Highlights the respect and value associated with the work.

Respectable occupation

Emphasizes the dignity and social acceptance associated with the work.

Suitable job

Indicates that the job is appropriate and meets the worker's needs and qualifications.

Adequate labor conditions

Highlights the sufficiency and acceptability of the working environment.

Honorable profession

Stresses the ethical and reputable nature of the work.

Just labor practices

Focuses on the fairness and equity of the labor practices involved.

Reasonable working standards

Emphasizes that the work meets acceptable and fair standards.

Acceptable work

Indicates that the work meets a minimum standard of acceptability.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent work" to describe employment that is fair, safe, and provides adequate compensation. For example: "The organization advocates for "decent work" for all employees, ensuring they receive fair wages and benefits."

What are some alternatives to "decent work"?

Alternatives to "decent work" include "good work", "fair employment", or "dignified employment", each emphasizing different aspects of satisfactory employment.

What does the ILO mean by "decent work"?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines "decent work" as employment that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace, and social protection for families, with equal opportunities and treatment for all.

Why is "decent work" important?

"Decent work" is important because it promotes economic growth, reduces poverty, and fosters social justice by ensuring that workers are treated with respect and dignity while contributing to the economy.