English Reference
Noun

severance

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US /ˈsɛˌvɝəns/ UK /sˈɛvəɹəns/ sev·er·ance UK spelling severances

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.


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'.

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.

BBC News· 4 Aug 2026

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.

The Conversation· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated