working
UK: ˈwɜːkɪŋ | US: ˈwɜːrkɪŋ
adj. engaged in physical or mental activity to achieve a purpose
n. the action of performing work or labor
adj. functioning or operating effectively
The word "working" derives from Old English "weorcian" (to perform labor), combined with the suffix "-ing," which forms present participles or gerunds. The root "work" traces back to Proto-Germanic *werkan, reflecting the universal concept of labor. Over time, "-ing" evolved as a versatile suffix in Middle English, allowing the word to function as both an adjective (e.g., "a working machine") and a noun (e.g., "the working of gears").
She is working on a new project this week.
The factory’s working conditions have improved.
His working theory explains the phenomenon clearly.
The clock stopped working after the power outage.
Volunteering involves unpaid working hours.