careers

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of career.

   Several promising careers ended abruptly after the scandal broke.

   The fair helped students explore careers in science and engineering.

   Note

   The plural does nearly all its work in the working-life meanings: careers in science, careers cut short, two careers in one household. The older senses of the singular (speed, a horse's short gallop, a jouster's run) are archaic or obsolete and seldom need a plural now. The same spelling is also the present-tense verb, so after a singular subject (the cart careers) it is no noun at all.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of career.

   The runaway cart careers across the market square, scattering startled shoppers.

   His car careers off the road whenever he takes that bend too fast.

   Note

   The verb belongs to a different picture from the working life: headlong movement straight ahead, often out of control. A cart careers across a square; a car careers off the road. It is usually followed by a word of direction, such as across, off, down or into, which gives the reckless motion its path. It has nothing to do with jobs, despite the shared spelling.

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