Hireling
noun
A person who works purely for material reward rather than passion.
The artist refused to be a hireling and instead painted what inspired him.
Often appears as...
- mere hireling
- hireling worker
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A person who works purely for material reward rather than passion.
The artist refused to be a hireling and instead painted what inspired him.
Often appears as...
- mere hireling
- hireling worker
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The term often implies that the person is motivated only by money, lacking deeper interest or loyalty.
The company replaced passionate employees with hirelings who lacked commitment.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Use
Historically, 'hireling' referred to mercenaries or someone hired to complete a task often considered undesirable.
The king's army was full of hirelings ready to fight for gold.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Jobs
'Hireling' can describe a temporary supporter or helper, not only in employment situations.
The politician's opinions were echoed by his hirelings at the rally.
Compare with
contractorfreelancerjobbermercenarytemp
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Quote examples
Francis Scott Key
American Author
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave from the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave.
Quote examples
Francis Scott Key
American Author
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave from the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave.
Example 1 of 1
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