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

Nichols argues that this abrupt termination led to a breakdown of trust and supply chains, which are challenging to reinstate. — Kazeem Olawale Nasiru, NPR, 17 July 2026

Beatty has since filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the county, and her attorney has proposed a $975,000 settlement. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

What Strong Leadership Decisions Have In Common When difficult people matters arise, such as terminations, complaints, misconduct or underperformance, leaders often rely on instinct. — David Price, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Another thing that’s lost when these chaotic, politically motivated terminations occur is the fallout for other agency employees—your staff. — Cristian Farias, Vanity Fair, 16 July 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