Definition
a person who is hired to do a job, especially one who has low moral principles and is willing to do unpleasant or dishonest tasks for money.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
noun
Synonyms
mercenary, employee, servant, wage earner, hired hand, minion, lackey.
Antonyms
employer, master, owner, supervisor.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | hirelings, hireling |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The corrupt businessman was willing to pay any hireling to do his dirty work, even if it meant breaking the law.
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The poor farmer could not afford to hire a laborer, so he had to do all the work himself.
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The warrior hired several hirelings to help him defend the castle from enemy invaders.
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The company’s CEO was accused of mistreating his hirelings by paying them low wages and not providing proper safety measures.
Usage
The word “hireling” is used to describe a person who is hired to do a job, especially one who is willing to do unpleasant tasks for money. This term is often used in a negative context, implying that the hireling is willing to compromise their morals and integrity for financial gain. Hirelings can be found in various professions, ranging from manual laborers to high-powered executives.
The word “hireling” is a noun and does not have any prefix or suffix. The root of the word is “hire,” which means to employ someone for a fee. The word “hireling” is typically used to describe someone who is employed for a specific task or period, rather than someone who is a full-time employee. This term is also commonly used in the context of historical and fictional works, where it is often used to describe characters who are mercenaries or soldiers for hire.
In literature and poetry, the word “hireling” is used to explore themes of exploitation, greed, and the value of labor. It is often portrayed as a negative term, suggesting that the person who is a hireling lacks personal values and ethics. In contrast, the word “employee” is often used in a more neutral or positive context, suggesting that the person is a valuable member of a company or organization. Despite its negative connotation, the word “hireling” is still commonly used in modern English and is a powerful way to describe people who are willing to work only for financial gain.