career

 
Pronunciation: /kəˈrɪə/

noun

  • an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress: he seemed destined for a career as an engineer like his father
  • the time spent by a person in a career: the end of a distinguished career in the Royal Navy
  • the progress through history of an institution, organization, etc.: the court has had a chequered career
  • [as modifier] working permanently in or committed to a particular profession: a career diplomat
  • [as modifier] (of a woman) interested in pursuing a profession rather than devoting all her time to childcare and housekeeping: a career girl

verb

[no object, with adverbial of direction]
  • move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way: the coach careered across the road and went through a hedge

Phrases

in full career

archaic at full speed.

Origin:

mid 16th century (denoting a road or racecourse): from French carrière, from Italian carriera, based on Latin carrus 'wheeled vehicle'