1 B1 neutral
To make a continuous, deliberate effort to improve a skill or to make a situation better.
"If you keep working at your pronunciation, you'll sound much more natural within a few months."
inseparable
work at
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To put sustained effort into improving or achieving something.
In plain English
To keep trying hard to get better at something or to make something happen.
What does "work at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To invest effort in maintaining or improving a relationship.
"A good marriage doesn't just happen — both partners have to work at it every day."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To work while positioned 'at' something — the figurative sense is a natural extension of focusing effort on a target.
Actually means
To keep trying hard to get better at something or to make something happen.
Usage tip
Often used with skills, relationships, or personal goals that require ongoing effort. Implies the activity is difficult and requires persistence, not just a one-off attempt. Common in motivational and instructional language.
Words that pair with "work at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
relationship marriage language skills technique problems career
How to conjugate "work at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
work at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
works at
he/she/it
Past simple
worked at
yesterday
Past participle
worked at
have + pp
-ing form
working at
continuous
Hear "work at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "work at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.