experience

word

/ɪkˈspɪɹiəns/
ik-SPEER-ee-uhns
/ɛkspˈiəɹɪəns/
ik-SPEER-ee-uhns

Definition

Knowledge or skill gained from doing, seeing, or feeling things over time. It can also mean an event or situation that happens to you, especially one that leaves an impression.

Usage & Nuances

Very common in both work and daily life. As a countable noun, 'an experience' usually means a specific event; as an uncountable noun, 'experience' means general knowledge or skill. Common patterns: 'work experience', 'years of experience', 'have experience in/with', 'a bad/great experience'. Do not confuse it with 'experiment'.

Example Sentences

She has a lot of experience in teaching.

basic

Working abroad was a new experience for him.

basic

Do you have any experience with computers?

basic

That trip was an amazing experience I'll never forget.

natural

We need someone with more experience for this job.

natural

Honestly, the whole thing was a pretty frustrating experience.

natural