B2nounwork
US/ʃɪft/
UK/ʃɪft/
a set period of work in a day, or a change in position, opinion or direction
In context
Nurses at the hospital often work twelve-hour shifts.
There has been a big shift towards remote work since 2020.
He swapped his weekend shift so he could go to his sister's wedding.
Words that go with shift
noun + noun
- night shiftFactory workers on the night shift get extra pay.
verb + noun
- work a shiftDelivery riders sometimes work a shift of ten hours without a break.
noun + preposition
- shift inThe report shows a shift in how young people spend their money.
adjective + noun
- major shiftElectric cars mark a major shift in the transport industry.
- double shiftShe worked a double shift to cover for a sick colleague.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I work in the night shift.Correct: I work the night shift. / I work on the night shift.