What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
occupation
Example
My occupation is a teacher. [occupation: noun]
Example
He occupied himself with gardening during his retirement. [occupied: verb]
vocation
Example
Teaching is more than just an occupation for me, it's my vocation. [vocation: noun]
Example
She felt a strong vocation to become a nurse and help others. [vocation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Occupation is a more common word than vocation in everyday language. Occupation is a versatile term that covers a wide range of jobs and professions, while vocation is a more specialized term that is often used in the context of a specific career or calling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between occupation and vocation?
Occupation is a more formal term than vocation. Occupation is often used in professional or academic contexts, while vocation is more commonly used in personal or spiritual contexts.
