self-employment

noun

self-em·​ploy·​ment ˌself-im-ˈplȯi-mənt How to pronounce self-employment (audio)
: the state of being self-employed

Examples of self-employment 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.
Entrepreneurship and Private Business: A global trend toward entrepreneurship and self-employment suggests many EMILLIs are business owners. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 11 July 2025 Cannot work or resume self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster. Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 May 2025 The limitation is based on W-2 income and self-employment income only. Thomas Hager, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Typically, quarterly payments apply to income without tax withholdings, such as earnings from self-employment, freelancing or gig economy work. Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-employment

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-employment was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Self-employment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-employment. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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