To create, establish, or achieve something for yourself through effort and determination, or to cut out a section from a larger piece.
To work hard to create your own space, role, or success in something.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To create or establish a role, reputation, or place for oneself through effort, usually in a competitive environment.
"She worked for years to carve out a career for herself in the competitive world of fashion."
To create a distinct space or portion by separating it from a larger whole.
"The developers carved out a new park area from the old industrial site."
To literally cut out a shape or section from a material.
"The sculptor carved out an intricate design from the block of marble."
To cut and remove a section from a larger material by carving.
To work hard to create your own space, role, or success in something.
Very common in professional, journalistic, and business English. Often followed by 'a niche', 'a career', 'a role', 'a reputation'. The literal sense (cutting) is less frequent in everyday use.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "carve out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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