Word
severance
Phoneticssev·er·ance, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛˌvɝəns/
UK/sˈɛvəɹəns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of ending a connection or relationship, especially between a worker and a company. It often refers to the money an employer pays you when they end your contract.
n. the action of ending a connection or relationship; specifically, the termination of an employment contract by the employer. Often refers to the financial compensation provided upon such termination.
Examples
“The company offered him a generous severance package.”
“After ten years of service, she received six months of pay as severance when the factory closed.”
“The sudden severance of diplomatic ties between the two nations led to an immediate suspension of all cross-border trade and travel agreements.”
Examples
simple
“The company offered him a generous severance package.”
contextual
“After ten years of service, she received six months of pay as severance when the factory closed.”
complex
“The sudden severance of diplomatic ties between the two nations led to an immediate suspension of all cross-border trade and travel agreements.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier in the compound noun 'severance pay' or 'severance package'.
Real-World Examples
“They signed confidentiality agreements in return for severance pay, and fear that speaking publicly could hurt their chances of finding work in an industry which has a small network.” “But the high turnover built into their jobs means that their employers can invest less in their training and avoid the management costs otherwise associated with layoff severance and fair treatment on the job.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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