What does "dismissed" mean?

1. (rejected an idea) to decide that something is not important or not worth thinking about. 2. (sent away) to be officially allowed or told to leave a place. 3. (fired from a job) having lost your job, usually because you did something wrong or the employer no longer needs you. 4. (you may leave) a formal command telling someone they are allowed to leave.

How do you use "dismissed"?

Commonly used in military or highly structured environments.

dismissed

v. · adj. · interj.

US //dɪsˈmɪst// UK //dɪsmˈɪst// dis·missed

1 rejected an idea (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to decide that something is not important or not worth thinking about.

to treat an idea, suggestion, or person as unworthy of serious consideration.

Example

The manager dismissed my suggestion without even looking at the data.

Example

The board dismissed the proposal as financially unviable before the consultant had even finished the presentation.
- accepted
- considered
2 sent away (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to be officially allowed or told to leave a place.

to be formally permitted or ordered to leave a setting, such as a classroom or a court of law.

Example

The teacher dismissed the class five minutes early because it was a holiday.

Example

Once the witness had finished her testimony, the judge informed her she was dismissed and free to leave the courtroom.
- released
- sent away
- summoned
- detained

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 fired from a job (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

having lost your job, usually because you did something wrong or the employer no longer needs you.

having had one's employment terminated by an employer.

Example

He was dismissed from his position after he was caught sharing private company secrets.

Example

The senior executive was summarily dismissed following an internal investigation into the misappropriation of corporate funds.
- hired
- employed
4 you may leave (interj.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a formal command telling someone they are allowed to leave.

a formal imperative used to signal the end of an interaction and authorize the subordinate's departure.

Example

The officer looked up from his desk and said, 'That will be all, Sergeant. Dismissed.'

Example

After delivering the morning briefing, the colonel gave a sharp nod and told the assembled officers they were dismissed.

Usage

Commonly used in military or highly structured environments.
- at ease
- you may go
- attention