employability

American  

[em-ploi-uh-bil-i-tee] / ɛmˌplɔɪ əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the fact, condition, or degree of being employable, especially in terms of work skills or readiness for the job market.

---

Explanation

A person's employability is anything that makes them able to get and keep a job. If nurses are in high demand, a nursing college might rightfully brag about the employability of its graduates. Employability comes from employ, or "hire for a job," and its Latin root, implicare, which means "to be connected with." Your employability is your ability to be employed, or to have paid work. In general, college graduates are thought of as having better employability, but it depends what kind of job they're trying to get. If you want to work as an electrician, your training and experience matter a lot more than your education, when it comes to employability!

Example Sentences

Issues of employability are complex in China, and Zhang was known for his extremely pragmatic approach.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Participants' employment status and employability were assessed at age 18.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024

"We're committed to strengthening co-workers' employability in Ingka, through lifelong learning and development and reskilling, and to accelerate the creation of new jobs," said Ulrika Biesert, global people and culture manager at Ingka Group.

From Reuters • Jun. 13, 2023

Workers need national minimum wage rises as part of a wholesale improvement to tackle employability and improve job market prospects.

From Salon • May 24, 2023

Human capital is a person’s education, job credentials, and employability.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times