severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈse-və-rən(t)s 

ˈsev-rən(t)s

: the act or process of severing : the state of being severed

Examples of severance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to DePaul’s tax filings, Lenti Ponsetto received a severance payment of $793,262 in the fiscal year 2022. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026

But the high turnover built into their jobs means that their employers can invest less in their training and avoid the management costs otherwise associated with layoff severance and fair treatment on the job. — Paul Osterman, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026

The Partnership for Public Service estimates the cost of the 2025 workforce actions at roughly $71 billion when severance, paid administrative leave, rehiring, and lost productivity are tallied. — Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2026

During meetings in June and July, some of the 15-member board backed Crespi, pushing to give her nine months’ severance and taking issue with Rosado’s decision to publicly criticize her. — Tess Riski august 5, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing severance

• severance package
• severance pay
• severance tax

Rhymes for severance

• reverence
• irreverence

Kids Definition

severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈsev-(ə-)rən(t)s 

: the act or process of severing : the state of being severed