on-the-job experience — practical knowledge and skills gained while actually doing a job
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: practical knowledge and skills gained while actually doing a job
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɑːn ðə dʒɑːb ɪkˈspɪriəns/
Example Sentences
- His resume looked great, but he lacked on-the-job experience with angry customers.
- The company provides extensive on-the-job experience for new graduates.
- She preferred on-the-job experience over theoretical knowledge from textbooks.
on-the-job experience
NOUN[/ɑːn ðə dʒɑːb ɪkˈspɪriəns/]
practical knowledge and skills gained while actually doing a job

a nervous young cook attempts to flip pancakes while an experienced chef watches closely beside him. The new cook's first pancake falls apart, but he immediately tries again with better technique. The chef demonstrates the proper wrist motion and timing for the flip. The second pancake lands perfectly in the pan, and the young cook's face lights up with confidence. Other kitchen staff work efficiently around them, creating a realistic work environment. practical knowledge and skills being gained while actually doing the job

Don't sob on the job - experience makes you shine!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase emerged in the 1960s as a modern English expression to emphasize practical learning acquired through actual workplace experience rather than formal instruction or theory.
Breakdown
on (upon, in the context of) + the (definite article) + job (work, employment) + experience (knowledge gained through direct involvement). The hyphenated form functions as a compound adjective modifying training or learning contexts.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His resume looked great, but he lacked on-the-job experience with angry customers.”
“The company provides extensive on-the-job experience for new graduates.”
“She preferred on-the-job experience over theoretical knowledge from textbooks.”
“After one week of on-the-job experience, he realized office coffee was more important than Excel skills.”
📚Related Words
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