occupational

adjective

oc·​cu·​pa·​tion·​al ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce occupational (audio)
1
: of or relating to a job or occupation
occupational choices
occupational training/skills
occupational safety
Physiatrists commonly treat back and neck pain and other musculoskeletal problems, including sports injuries and occupational problems like repetitive stress injury.C. Claiborne Ray
2
: relating to or engaged in the military occupation of a country
served as part of an occupational force
occupational troops
occupationally adverb

Examples of occupational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is incredibly damaging to career prospects and, given how little knowledge exists in mainstream medical and occupational health circles, can feel confusing and frightening for those who don’t know where to turn for advice. Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Brown said since the legislature passed a law providing firefighters with occupational cancer job protection, there have been 30-35 cancer claims. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025 However, doctors and I wrote off the pain as an occupational strain. Health, 20 May 2025 Read more: Health A-Z Skin Health Acne Living With 16 Sources Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for occupational

Word History

Etymology

occupation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of occupational was in 1766

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occupational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occupational. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

occupational

adjective
oc·​cu·​pa·​tion·​al
ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shnəl,
-shən-ᵊl
: of or relating to one's occupation
a report on occupational health and safety
occupationally
adverb

Medical Definition

occupational

adjective
oc·​cu·​pa·​tion·​al ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce occupational (audio)
: relating to or being an occupational disease
occupational asthma
occupationally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on occupational

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!