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

• 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

Seven government agencies have begun the process of laying off over 4,000 workers, prompting multiple unions to file for an injunction to block the terminations in a federal court in Northern California, according to the BBC. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025

But within 24 hours of receipt of the original reduction-in-force notices, about 700 employees received emails rescinding their terminations. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2025

Ahmed Shahrour, who worked as a software engineer in Amazon’s Whole Foods business in Seattle, received an email on Monday informing him of his termination. —Annie Palmer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025

Dozens of parents who protested Hart’s termination said the district should allow for more nuance in its rules. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 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