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

Automated tools can incorrectly assess performance, leading to disciplinary actions, pay cuts, or termination if benchmarks are flawed. —Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Einride filed a lawsuit against Maersk in November 2024 in Los Angeles County Superior Court surrounding the container shipping giant’s termination of the deal. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Nov. 2025

Republican lawmakers had supported Melissa McCoul’s termination earlier this year. —Tricia Escobedo, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025

In the event of any such cancellation, termination or suspension, a notice will be posted and a random drawing will be held from among all eligible, nonsuspect entries received prior to such time. —Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025

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