Co-worker vs. Coworker: What’s the Difference?

Both spellings are correct, but they follow different style preferences.

Co-worker → ✔ Traditional, clearer, preferred by many style guides Coworker → ✔ Modern, becoming more common in digital and informal writing

The meaning is the same: a person you work with.

1. Co-worker

Meaning

Co-worker uses a hyphen to clearly show the prefix co- (“together”) + worker.

It avoids misreading (e.g., “cow-orker”) and is preferred by many dictionaries and formal style guides (AP, Chicago, etc.).

Examples (10 total)

1. She discussed the project with her co-worker.
2. His co-worker helped him finish the task.
3. I invited a few co-workers to dinner.
4. The co-worker relationship was strong.
5. She asked her co-worker for advice.
6. He introduced me to his co-worker from marketing.
7. My co-workers surprised me with a cake.
8. The new co-worker joined the team this week.
9. They work well as co-workers on the same project.
10. Her co-worker covered her shift.

🧠 Tip:
If you want clarity and formality, use co-worker.

2. Coworker

Meaning

Coworker removes the hyphen and is more common in modern, digital, or informal writing.

Many style guides and companies (especially tech-focused ones) now accept or prefer this version.

Examples (10 total)

1. She chatted with a coworker during lunch.
2. His coworker helped him solve the issue.
3. I met my new coworker today.
4. The coworker dynamic was friendly.
5. He thanked his coworker for the help.
6. The team welcomed their latest coworker.
7. A coworker recommended the restaurant.
8. Her coworker reviewed the report.
9. They teamed up with a coworker from another department.
10. My coworker sent the updated files.

🧠 Tip:
Use coworker if your writing is casual, modern, or online.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Hyphen = clarity → co-worker
👉 No hyphen = simplicity → coworker

Memory trick:
If you want your text to look clean, choose coworker.
If you want it to look professional and clear, choose co-worker.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Thinking one is incorrect
✔ Both are correct

❌ Using both forms in the same document
✔ Stay consistent with one spelling

❌ Assuming “coworker” is new slang
✔ It’s widely accepted today

Writing More Naturally

Choosing between co-worker and coworker depends on tone and consistency. If you want your writing to follow a standard style and sound natural, an AI humanizer can help ensure uniform spelling throughout your text.

FAQs

1. Which one is more common?

“Coworker” is more common in modern digital writing.
“Co-worker” is more common in formal contexts.

2. Which one do dictionaries prefer?

Most list both, but many lean toward co-worker for clarity.

3. Is one more formal?

Yes — co-worker is more formal.

4. Should I choose based on audience?

Yes. Use “co-worker” for professional documents; “coworker” for casual or modern writing.

Practice: Choose the Correct Form

(Answers are flexible depending on preferred style.)

1. My __________ helped me finish the report.
2. She met her new __________ this morning.
3. A __________ recommended that book to me.
4. I ate lunch with a __________ from accounting.
5. Her __________ gave her some career advice.

Answers

(Use co-worker or coworker consistently.)

1. co-worker / coworker
2. co-worker / coworker
3. co-worker / coworker
4. co-worker / coworker
5. co-worker / coworker