on the job

1 of 2

phrase

: at work : while working

was injured on the job

on-the-job

2 of 2

adjective

ˈȯn-ṯẖə-ˈjäb 

: of, relating to, or being something (such as training or experience) learned, gained, or done while working at a job

Examples of on the job in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

They also were reportedly subjected to threats and not given proper medical care when they were injured on the job. — Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

After two months on the job, Front Street’s new Animal Care Services Director April Stevenson said the shelter was far from the conditions described in an assessment two years earlier, even though the facility had undergone no major renovation. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Adjective

People who have good self-control often have higher psychological well-being, more academic and on-the-job achievements, and healthier relationships. — Joan M. Cook, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

Doug Lipari, executive director of NYC Talent, believes that apprenticeships, which offer paid, on-the-job learning and credentialing, are a win-win. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for on the job

• blob
• bob
• cob
• daub
• fob
• glob
• gob
• hob
• knob
• lob
• mob
• rob

Kids Definition

on-the-job

adjective

: received or learned while working at a job

on-the-job training