time-server
|time-serv-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈtaɪmˌsɝvər/
🇬🇧
/ˈtaɪmˌsɜːvə/
adapts to keep advantage
Etymology
'time-server' originates from an English compound formed of Old English 'tīma' and a derivative of Latin 'servire' via Old French 'servir', where 'tīma' meant 'period' or 'time' and 'servire' meant 'to serve'.
'time-server' was created in English by combining 'time' + 'server' (one who serves). The element 'server' comes via Old French from Latin 'servire'; the compound came into use in Early Modern English to describe someone who 'serves the times' (i.e., adjusts to current trends or powers).
Initially, it literally suggested 'one who serves the times' (adapts to current conditions); over time it acquired a more negative sense of an opportunist or someone who only does the minimum to keep advantage or position.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who adapts their opinions or behavior to whatever is fashionable or advantageous at the moment, often to keep a job or gain favor; an opportunist.
Many voters dismissed him as a time-server who changed his stance whenever it suited him.
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Noun 2
a person who does only the minimum required at work in order to keep their job; someone who shirks initiative or responsibility.
Rather than take on extra tasks, he's become known as a time-server who does just enough to avoid being fired.
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Last updated: 2025/10/15 20:13