vacancy

A vacancy is usually about an empty room, home, or job that is ready to be filled. Think of a "Vacancy" sign outside a motel: it means there are rooms open for guests. You can also talk about a job vacancy when a company needs a new worker. If someone moves out of an apartment, there is a vacancy until a new person moves in. In everyday English, the word often points to housing, hotels, offices, and work.

The word "vacancy" refers to a state of being empty or unfilled. It is most often used for rooms, apartments, hotel space, or jobs. When you see a "Vacancy" sign at a hotel or motel, it means there is a room available. When a company announces a vacancy, it means there is an open position that someone can apply for.

The word can also be used for official roles. If a judge retires or a government officer leaves, that departure creates a vacancy because the role is not filled. In this sense, the word does not just mean an empty space you can see; it can also mean an empty place in an organization or institution.

Less commonly, "vacancy" can mean emptiness in a more general or formal way, but that use is not the main one for learners. In most real situations, if you hear this word, it will probably be about a place to stay, a place to live, or a position that needs a person. So the idea behind the word is simple: something is open because no one is in it yet.