"Hireling" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Hireling" Meaning

A hireling is a hired worker or servant, typically someone who is employed for a short period of time or on a temporary basis. The word often has connotations of unreliability, lack of commitment, or a sense of being disposable. In a broader sense, a hireling can also refer to someone who is willing to work for someone else's benefit without showing loyalty or dedication to their own cause or values.

"Hireling" Examples

Usage Examples of "Hireling"

1. Historical Context

In ancient Rome, mercenaries and soldiers were often referred to as hirelings, as they were hired for a specific period or task.

Example sentence: "The Roman legions were comprised of both hired soldiers and loyal patriots."

2. Literary Reference

In literature, the term hireling is often used to describe a mercenary or a soldier who fights for money, rather than for a noble cause.

Example sentence: "The poem criticized the hirelings who fought in the war solely for the promise of riches."

3. Contemporary Context

In modern times, the term hireling can be used to describe someone who is hired for a short-term or temporary position, often as part of a contractor-based workforce.

Example sentence: "The company hired a few hirelings to help with the busy season, but ended up eliminating their positions after the workload decreased."

4. Idiomatic Expression

The phrase "hired gun" is an idiomatic expression that implies someone who is a hireling, taking on assignments for personal gain rather than for noble or altruistic reasons.

Example sentence: "The detective suspected that the suspect was a hired gun, working for a rival gang."

5. Historical Comparison

In contrast to loyal patriots who fight for their country, hirelings are often seen as mercenary and disloyal.

Example sentence: "In the American Revolution, the Continental Army was comprised of patriots who fought for independence, whereas the British Army consisted of hirelings hired for a salary."