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retirement

n.
US //ɹiˈtaɪɝmənt// UK //ɹɪtˈaɪəmənt// re·tire·ment
  1. 1 period after working life (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the time in your life after you have finished your career and stopped working.

    the state or period of being retired from one's occupation or office.

    Example

    My grandfather is enjoying his retirement by traveling and spending time in his garden.

    Example

    Many people find that retirement offers a unique opportunity to pursue hobbies that were previously sidelined by the demands of a forty-hour work week.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'in' to describe the life stage.

    • pensionable age
  2. 2 the act of stopping work (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of leaving your job or career permanently.

    the formal act of withdrawing from one's employment or office, often marked by a specific date or event.

    Example

    The teacher announced her retirement at the end of the school year.

    Example

    The CEO's sudden retirement triggered a sharp decline in the company's stock price as investors worried about the lack of a clear succession plan.

    Usage

    Commonly used with the verb 'announce' or 'reach'.

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  1. 3 withdrawal or seclusion (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    the act of moving away from other people or public life to be alone or quiet.

    the act of withdrawing into a private or secluded state; a retreat from public notice or social activity.

    Example

    After the scandal, the politician lived a life of quiet retirement in the countryside.

    Example

    He sought retirement from the chaotic atmosphere of the city, finding solace in a remote cabin where he could write without interruption.

Origin

From French retirement, from retirer (“withdraw, retire”); corresponding to retire + -ment.

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