ENGLISH
REFERENCE

terminated

v. · adj.
US //ˈtɝməˌneɪtɪd// UK //tˈɜːmɪnˌeɪtɪd// ter·mi·nat·ed
  1. 1 ended something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    the past tense of 'terminate', meaning you ended something officially.

    the past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'terminate', indicating the official conclusion of an agreement or process.

    Example

    The company terminated the contract because the work was not finished on time.

    Example

    The legal department terminated the partnership agreement immediately after the breach of confidentiality was discovered.

    Usage

    Often used in legal or business contexts with a direct object.

  2. 2 having ended (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    describes something that has finished or reached its final point.

    describing a state in which a process, sequence, or legal status has reached its conclusion.

    Example

    The terminated project was archived so the team could focus on new tasks.

    Example

    The report detailed all terminated accounts that had shown no activity for over twenty-four months.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 fired from a job (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    describes someone who has been told they no longer have a job.

    referring to an individual whose employment has been ended by the employer.

    Example

    The terminated employees were given two weeks of extra pay.

    Example

    Human Resources conducted exit interviews with the terminated staff to ensure all company property was returned.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very formal way to say someone was fired; it is common in HR documents but can sound cold in conversation.

Origin

From terminate + -ed.

© 2026 English Reference