termination

noun

ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: end in time or existence : conclusion

the termination of life

2

: the last part of a word

especially : an inflectional ending

3

: the act of terminating

4

: a limit in space or extent : bound

5

: outcome, result

terminational

ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of termination

• limitation
• limit
• end
• confines
• boundary
• line

Examples of termination in a Sentence

The law protects against unfair contract termination.

the termination of a lease

an early termination of the contract

The company noted over 300 terminations last quarter.

Are there plans for the termination of unproductive employees?

Recent Examples on the Web

Should regulatory concerns scuttle the deal altogether, PSKY will be on the hook to fork over a $7 billion termination fee to WBD. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 Apr. 2026

The vote to fire Wehle was 4-3, and her termination is effective immediately, according to a news release from the city. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

Just like anything short of getting back to the conference finals and punching a ticket to The Big Dance will be grounds for termination for the Knicks roster as currently constructed. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026

The grant terminations were the final blow, but the diagnosis was the beginning of the end. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing termination

• pre-termination

Rhymes for termination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

termination

noun

ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

: an end or ending of something

especially : a distal end of an anatomical part