noun · neutral

contractor

UK/kənˈtræktə(r)/US/kənˈtræktɚ/con·TRAC·tor

Band 7+speakingtask2

A person or company that agrees to provide services or do a job for a set price or period, usually not employed permanently.

Examples

The city hired a contractor to repair the bridge over the summer.

We use independent contractors for short-term specialised tasks.

A general contractor manages subcontractors on large construction projects.

Band 8 sentence

Given the tight deadline, the council engaged an experienced contractor to oversee the bridge renovation.

Collocations

  • independent contractor
  • hire a contractor
  • general contractor

Word family

contract noun/verbcontractor nouncontractual adjective

Common mistakes

He is contractor.He is a contractor.

They hired a contract.They hired a contractor. / They signed a contract.

Say it for a higher band

5worker6subcontractor7+contractor

Synonyms

subcontractor

Easily confused

employee

Permanent employees are entitled to company benefits such as health insurance.

Related words

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In Work & Career

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