Vocabulary Hub · A2–B1

Human Resources: English Vocabulary

Learn human resources vocabulary in British English: 10 useful words and phrases, definitions, natural examples, collocations and a quick practice quiz.

How to use this lesson: read each item aloud, notice the collocation, cover the definition and retrieve the word from memory. Then use at least three items in your own sentences.

10 useful words and phrases

A2–B1

contract

A formal agreement, especially about work.

Example: Please read the contract before signing it.

Natural collocation: permanent contract

A2–B1

qualification

An exam result or course showing knowledge or skill.

Example: This role requires a recognised qualification.

Natural collocation: professional qualification

A2–B1

responsibility

A duty that you are expected to deal with.

Example: Managing the budget is one of my responsibilities.

Natural collocation: take responsibility

A2–B1

feedback

Comments intended to help someone improve.

Example: The manager gave me useful feedback.

Natural collocation: constructive feedback

A2–B1

negotiate

To discuss something in order to reach agreement.

Example: They negotiated a better starting salary.

Natural collocation: negotiate terms

A2–B1

objective

A specific result you want to achieve.

Example: Our main objective is to improve retention.

Natural collocation: achieve an objective

A2–B1

performance

How well a person or organisation does something.

Example: Her performance improved this quarter.

Natural collocation: performance review

A2–B1

role

The function or position someone has at work.

Example: My role involves supporting international clients.

Natural collocation: a senior role

A2–B1

deadline

The latest time by which something must be completed.

Example: We have a tight deadline this Friday.

Natural collocation: meet a deadline

A2–B1

workload

The amount of work a person has to do.

Example: My workload is heavier at the end of the month.

Natural collocation: manage your workload

Quick vocabulary check

  1. 1. Which word means “a formal agreement, especially about work”?
    contract
  2. 2. Which word means “an exam result or course showing knowledge or skill”?
    qualification
  3. 3. Which word means “a duty that you are expected to deal with”?
    responsibility
  4. 4. Which word means “comments intended to help someone improve”?
    feedback
  5. 5. Which word means “to discuss something in order to reach agreement”?
    negotiate

Make the vocabulary active

Choose five items above and make them personal. Say one true sentence about your life, work, studies or experience for each item. For stronger recall, return tomorrow and try to reproduce the collocations without looking.

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