workspace

workspace — noun

1. a specific place, such as a desk or a corner of a room, where someone does their

1.nounB1
Definition

a specific place, such as a desk or a corner of a room, where someone does their job or schoolwork

Example

Rachel keeps a small plant on her workspace to make the desk feel warmer.

possessive + workspace

Theo organised his workspace before leaving for holiday, so everything was tidy for Monday.

Common collocations
  • personal workspace
  • own workspace
  • shared workspace
  • tidy workspace
  • organise workspace
  • clean workspace
Synonyms
  • workstation

    stresses the desk + equipment setup more than the area itself

  • desk

    more specific — only the piece of furniture, not the surrounding area

  • cubicle

    an enclosed partition within an open office, narrower in meaning

Grammar Patterns

a + workspace

possessive + workspace

Usage Note

Refers to an individual, often personal, area — a single desk, cubicle, or corner of a room. Distinguish from sense 2, which is uncountable and describes general available space.

2. the total area or rooms available in a building, office, or home for people to d

2.nounB1
Definition

the total area or rooms available in a building, office, or home for people to do their work

Example

The company is adding more workspace on the third floor to fit the growing team.

uncountable: more + workspace

Trang turned her garage into extra workspace for her pottery business.

Common collocations
  • open workspace
  • shared workspace
  • extra workspace
  • create workspace
  • provide workspace
  • expand workspace
Synonyms
  • work area

    less formal, can refer to a room or zone rather than the concept of available space

  • office space

    specifically about commercial office rentals, not home environments

  • floor space

    focuses on physical square footage, more technical

Grammar Patterns

more + workspace

enough + workspace

adjective + workspace

Usage Note

Usually uncountable when talking about general area ('not enough workspace'). Can be countable when referring to a specific type or facility ('two separate workspaces').

Common Mistakes

I need a workspace for my project' (when meaning general space).
I need workspace for my project.
'workspace' meaning general area is uncountable.