# dismissing

/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪsmˈɪsɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dismissing
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. rejecting an idea

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- He was dismissing her concerns as if they were just silly complaints.
- By dismissing the preliminary findings without further investigation, the board risked overlooking a significant flaw in the project's design.

### 2. sending away

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: ordering or allowing someone to leave a place or a meeting.

- The teacher was dismissing the class when the fire alarm suddenly rang.
- The judge was dismissing the jury for the day when the lead prosecutor requested an emergency sidebar to discuss new evidence.

### 3. ending employment

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The company was dismissing several employees for breaking the safety rules.
- The HR department followed strict protocols when dismissing the senior executive to ensure the firm was protected against potential litigation.

### 4. showing lack of interest

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- She gave a dismissing wave of her hand and walked away.
- His dismissing attitude during the interview suggested that he had already decided the candidate was not a good fit for the role.

## Examples

- She gave him a cold, dismissing look.
- The manager offered a dismissing wave of her hand and returned to her desk.
- His tone was not merely dismissive but actively hostile, suggesting a deep-seated resentment toward the new policy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.