vocation

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A strong feeling that a particular career or way of life is right for you, often involving a sense of purpose.

   Grammar: Often used in phrases like 'a vocation for' or 'a sense of vocation'.

   Patterns

   • a vocation for something
   • a sense of vocation

   She felt a vocation for teaching from a young age.

   He had a strong sense of vocation and became a priest.

   Many people find their vocation later in life.

2. 2nouncountable

   A particular occupation or profession, especially one that involves serving others.

   Grammar: Often used in the plural 'vocations' to refer to different careers.

   Patterns

   • choose a vocation
   • a vocation in something

   Nursing is often considered a vocation rather than just a job.

   He chose a vocation in medicine.

   The school helps students explore different vocations.

Word forms

Common combinations

a sense of vocation

She has a strong sense of vocation and never complains about the long hours.

find your vocation

After years of trying different jobs, he finally found his vocation as a chef.

a vocation for

He has a vocation for helping the poor.

choose a vocation

Young people are often unsure which vocation to choose.

Synonyms and how they differ

calling

Calling is very similar but often has a religious or spiritual tone; vocation can be more general.

profession

Profession refers to a job that requires special training, without the strong sense of personal purpose that vocation carries.

career

Career is the series of jobs you do over your life; vocation emphasizes a deep fit and sense of mission.

Opposites

Word family

vocational adjective

Relating to practical skills and training for a specific job.

vocational training noun

Education that prepares you for a specific trade or occupation.

Commonly confused: vocation or vacation?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “vocation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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