English Reference
verb · adjective

dismissing

v. · adj.
US /dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/ UK /dɪsmˈɪsɪŋ/ dis·miss·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.deciding that an idea or suggestion is not worth thinking about or is not important.

    v.treating a suggestion, idea, or person as unworthy of serious consideration. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Simple

    He was dismissing her concerns as if they were just silly complaints.

    In context

    By dismissing the preliminary findings without further investigation, the board risked overlooking a significant flaw in the project's design.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.telling someone that they are allowed to leave or must leave.

    v.ordering or allowing someone to leave a place or a meeting.

    Simple

    The teacher was dismissing the class when the fire alarm suddenly rang.

    In context

    The judge was dismissing the jury for the day when the lead prosecutor requested an emergency sidebar to discuss new evidence.

    releasingsending away
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.removing someone from their job, usually because they did something wrong.

    v.terminating a person's employment; often carries a more formal or legal tone than 'firing'.

    Simple

    The company was dismissing several employees for breaking the safety rules.

    In context

    The HR department followed strict protocols when dismissing the senior executive to ensure the firm was protected against potential litigation.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.showing that you do not think something is interesting or important.

    adj.serving to dismiss or reject; showing a lack of interest or respect. Often used to describe a tone of voice or a gesture.

    Simple

    She gave a dismissing wave of her hand and walked away.

    In context

    His dismissing attitude during the interview suggested that he had already decided the candidate was not a good fit for the role.

Many teens can feel relieved that parents are willing to discuss this openly, rather than dismissing or banning it outright.

The Conversation· 13 Aug 2026

She added she would “not join those dismissing it as theatre before the details had been announced”.

The Guardian· 7 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated