gig economy

noun

: economic activity that involves the use of temporary or freelance workers to perform jobs typically in the service sector

One reason the gig economy has taken off: People tend to change jobs more frequently and many enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and where they work.

—Marcia Pledger

While they are still able to work, boomers will be a big part of a subset of the sharing economy that is sometimes called the "gig economy." Gigs are what they sound like: assignments, contracts or part-time jobs.

—Linda Nazareth

Examples of gig economy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Demographic shifts, an increasing emphasis on well-being, and the rise of the gig economy play significant roles in reshaping perceptions of leadership. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

The lawsuit sheds light on how large companies can use loopholes to exploit vulnerable workers in the gig economy. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 23 Dec. 2024

Emerging industries such as the gig economy, digital economy and creative-sector niches such as internet marketing and multimedia are also being targeted. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Blockchain technology, the rise of peer-to-peer platforms and the gig economy have reshaped how businesses operate and scale. —Dr Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

gig entry 1

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above