modest job

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest job" is a correct, usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in the context of a job with a low salary or one that does not offer many opportunities for growth. For example, "After graduating, she took a modest job as a receptionist, but she had her sights set on a better position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Applications below 425,000 signal modest job growth.

The New York Times

Businesses were restocking inventories, yielding modest job growth in factories.

The New York Times

Unemployment applications below 425,000 signal modest job growth.

The New York Times

But none were interested in our modest job.

The New York Times

It is a modest job description, but for many folk musicians, it is accurate.

The New York Times

He settled, instead, for a modest job with the British-run public works department.

The New York Times - Books

Economists expect some modest job creation to occur over the next several months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

MEANWHILE, modest jobs mean modest lives.

The New York Times

An HSBC economic report said that the manufacturing sector, which has provided modest jobs growth this year, could set the stage for a positive outcome for Friday's nonfarm payrolls.

The New York Times

On the campaign trail in recent weeks, Mr. Romney has argued that the country's modest jobs growth is inadequate in the face of an economy that continues to struggle.

The New York Times

Mr Blair says that this force (Britain had the word "army" excised from the communiqué) can do its modest jobs only in cases where NATO had declined to do these itself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest job" when you want to downplay the importance or compensation of a position without being overly negative. It implies a sense of humility and realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid implying that someone in a "modest job" lacks ambition. The phrase simply describes the current role, not the person's potential or aspirations. Ensure that the context doesn't unintentionally demean the individual's capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest job" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "job". It describes a job that is not high-paying, prestigious, or demanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest job" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a job that is not particularly high-paying or prestigious. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts and has a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context does not imply that the individual lacks ambition or potential. Alternatives include "low-paying job", "entry-level job", and "humble position".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low-paying job

Focuses specifically on the salary aspect.

moderate occupation

Similar to modest but slightly more formal.

humble position

Emphasizes the lack of prestige or importance.

entry-level job

Highlights the position as a starting point in a career.

small-time job

Suggests a job that is not very significant or influential.

unremarkable post

Highlights the lack of anything special or noteworthy about the job.

simple job

Focuses on the straightforward nature of the work.

unassuming role

Highlights the lack of pretension or showiness associated with the job.

basic employment

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the job.

minor employment

Emphasizes the limited scope or impact of the job.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest job" to describe a position that is not highly paid or prestigious. For example, "He started his career with a "modest job" in a local store."

What are some synonyms for "modest job"?

Alternatives include "low-paying job", "entry-level job", or "humble position", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "modest job" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest job" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, a more neutral term like "entry-level position" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "modest job" and "dead-end job"?

"Modest job" simply describes a job that isn't high-paying or prestigious, while a "dead-end job" implies that the position offers no opportunities for advancement or growth. A "modest job" isn't necessarily a dead-end job.