contractor

/kənˈtræktə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːntræktər/ (ame, ipa) · /sense 1 is usually ˈkän-ˌtrak-tər sense 2 is usually kən-ˈtrak-/ (ame, mw)

contractor — noun

  • contractorsingular
  • contractorsplural

1. an individual or organisation formally agreeing to deliver a specific job or pro

1.名詞B1
釋義

an individual or organisation formally agreeing to deliver a specific job or project, providing the necessary workforce, supplies, or tools

例句

The contractor finished painting the office building two weeks ahead of schedule.

collocation: finish + [project] ahead of schedule

Darius's company hired a contractor to design a new website for their online store.

collocation: hire a contractor to [task]

同義詞
  • service provider

    more general term; any business that supplies services, not necessarily under a formal contract

  • builder

    narrower — only for construction or renovation work, not IT, cleaning, or consulting

用法筆記

Frequently used with verbs like hire, bring in, or work with to describe engaging a contractor's services. The word can refer to either an individual or an entire company.

常見錯誤

❌The contractor built the bridge with their own hands.
✅The contractor oversaw the bridge construction with a team of workers.
💡a contractor is typically a company or manager, not a single labourer doing hands-on work.

2. a person who carries out work for an organisation on a fixed-term or project bas

2.名詞B2
釋義

a person who carries out work for an organisation on a fixed-term or project basis, without the status, rights, or benefits of a permanent employee

例句

Tamar worked as an IT contractor at the bank for eight months.

collocation: work as a contractor

The company hires contractors for short-term projects instead of permanent staff.

contrast: contractor vs. permanent employee

同義詞
  • freelancer

    similar meaning but emphasises working independently for multiple clients rather than being attached to one organisation

  • consultant

    implies higher-level expertise and advisory work; often paid at a higher rate

反義詞
  • employee

    someone who works for an employer on an ongoing basis with legal protections and benefits

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 focuses on employment status (non-employee), not on the task or project being delivered. This meaning is common in human resources, tax, and labour law contexts.

常見錯誤

❌I work as a contractor building houses.
✅I work as a contractor for a software company, writing code on a six-month contract.
💡if the focus is on what you build, use sense 1; sense 2 is about your employment relationship.