Meaning & use
security of tenure
Last updated
Meanings
phraseuncountableformallegallaw
The legal right to keep a job, home, or position unless there is a proper reason to end it.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun phrase: employees may have security of tenure, but you do not say 'a security of tenure'.
Patterns
- security of tenure for someone
- give someone security of tenure
- have security of tenure
After five years in the role, teachers gain security of tenure and can only be dismissed for serious misconduct.
The new housing law gives tenants greater security of tenure, making it harder for landlords to evict them without cause.
University professors often have security of tenure, which protects their academic freedom.
phraseuncountableformal
The state of being able to stay in a place or job for a long time without fear of losing it.
Grammar: Used more generally, without a specific legal document; still uncountable.
Patterns
- a sense of security of tenure
- provide security of tenure
Many workers value security of tenure more than a higher salary.
The charity provides security of tenure for families who would otherwise be homeless.
Common combinations
- give somebody security of tenure
- The contract gives the tenant security of tenure for three years.
- have security of tenure
- Civil servants in this country have security of tenure after a probation period.
- lose security of tenure
- He lost security of tenure after the company restructured.
- security of tenure for tenants
- The campaign calls for stronger security of tenure for tenants.
- a lack of security of tenure
- A lack of security of tenure makes it hard to plan for the future.
Synonyms and how they differ
- job security
- This is the everyday term for feeling safe in your job; security of tenure is more formal and often legal.
- tenure
- Tenure alone can mean the right to keep a job permanently, especially in universities; security of tenure is the full legal phrase.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: security of tenure or tenure track?
security of tenure vs tenure track
Tenure track is a job system that can lead to tenure; security of tenure is the protection you have once you get it.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'security of tenure' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is uncountable, so it is used without 'a' or a plural form: 'give tenants security of tenure' is correct. Options with 'a security of tenure' or 'security of tenures' are wrong because the phrase does not take an article or plural.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “security of tenure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.