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

King's termination follows the firing and arrest of Brinker's second-grade teacher, Paul Campbell, last month. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

This new financial crisis follows SVA’s termination of its MFA program in Curatorial Practice in February and reflects the difficulties art and design schools are facing across the country. — News Desk, Artforum, 12 Aug. 2026

Although migrant workers’ social security contributions formally entitle them to maternity leave, the researchers said pregnancy frequently results in contract termination. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026

Only a voluntary resignation or termination by the council can remove him from the position. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 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