retirement
gb/ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt/ us/ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt/
A2
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
Ending work permanently
When someone stops working forever, usually because they are old enough or have worked for many years.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s retirement from [job/position]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'retirement' with 'resignation'. Resignation means leaving a job, but you may work again; retirement means stopping work permanently.
Synonyms
withdrawal from work (A more formal phrase describing the same concept.)
|
pensioning off (Often used in British English; can sound slightly impersonal.)
Antonyms
employment (The state of having a paid job.)
|
working life (The period in which someone is actively employed.)
Collocations
early retirement
|retirement age
|retirement plan
|retirement benefits
|retirement savings
Themes
work
|life stages
|finance
|daily_life
Examples
- After thirty-five years at the company, she celebrated her retirement with a big party.
- His retirement came earlier than expected due to health problems.
- They moved to the countryside after his retirement.
- Retirement can be a time to explore hobbies and travel.
- The company offers generous retirement benefits to its employees.
Learner examples
- My father is happy in his retirement.
- She is planning for her retirement.
- He will travel after his retirement.
- Retirement means you do not work anymore.
- They bought a small house after their retirement.
Noun
A2
state
2
Life after stopping work
The time in life after you stop working forever.
Usage pattern:
in [someone]'s retirement
Synonyms
post-career life (Describes the phase after professional work ends.)
Antonyms
working years (The time in life when a person is employed.)
Collocations
happy retirement
|peaceful retirement
|active retirement
Themes
life stages
|lifestyle
|daily_life
|work
|finance
Examples
- They traveled extensively during their retirement.
- Retirement can be an opportunity to try new things.
- She enjoys gardening in her retirement.
- Many people volunteer during their retirement.
- Retirement is often seen as a time for relaxation.
Learner examples
- He is in his retirement now.
- They enjoy their retirement together.
- Her retirement is very busy with hobbies.
- I hope to travel in my retirement.
- Retirement can be fun.
Noun
formal
B2
state
3
Living away from public life
Living quietly and away from other people or public life.
Usage pattern:
in [someone]'s retirement from public life
Synonyms
seclusion (Emphasizes being apart from others physically or socially.)
Antonyms
public life (Active involvement in social, political, or community affairs.)
Collocations
in seclusion and retirement
Themes
lifestyle
|relationships
|daily_life
Examples
- After her political career ended, she lived in quiet retirement.
- He spent his later years in retirement on a small farm.
- The author went into complete retirement and stopped giving interviews.
Learner examples
- She lives in quiet retirement now.
- He went into retirement from public life.
- They enjoy their peaceful retirement away from the city.
Grammar
Dictionary form
retirement
IPA
GB/ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt/
US/ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt/
Syllables & stress
re - tire - ment (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tire)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: retirement
- Plural: retirement, retirements
Word family
Expressions
early retirement
1/ˈɚli ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt/
fixed phrase
Stopping work before usual age
When you stop working forever before most people do it.
Examples
- He took early retirement at 55.
- Early retirement can affect your pension amount.
happy retirement
1/hˈæpi ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt/
fixed phrase
Good wishes for post-work life
A way to say you hope someone enjoys their life after they stop working forever.
Examples
- We all signed the card to wish her a happy retirement.
- Happy retirement, John! Enjoy your travels.
retirement age
1/ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt ˈeɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Age people usually stop working
The age when people normally stop working forever.
Examples
- In many countries, the retirement age is 65.
- He reached retirement age but decided to keep working.
retirement benefits
1/ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt bˈɛnəfɪts/
fixed phrase
Payments given after stopping work
Money or other help you get when you stop working forever.
Examples
- He receives good retirement benefits from his old company.
- Retirement benefits include a monthly pension and health insurance.
retirement plan
1/ɹɪtˈaɪɚmənt plˈæn/
fixed phrase
Savings arrangement for post-work life
A way to save money for when you stop working forever.
Examples
- She contributes to her retirement plan every month.
- It's important to start your retirement plan early.