disˈmissal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal/neutral
Quick answer
What does “disˈmissal” mean?
The act of sending someone away or officially ending their employment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of sending someone away or officially ending their employment.
The act of treating something as unimportant or not worth considering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. 'Sack' is more common informal British equivalent for employment termination; 'fire' is more common in US informal contexts.
Connotations
In legal contexts, 'dismissal' often refers to a case being thrown out. In employment, it implies a more permanent, often involuntary, termination compared to 'layoff'.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties in formal/legal/business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “disˈmissal” in a Sentence
dismissal of [someone/something]dismissal from [a job/position]dismissal by [authority figure]dismissal for [reason]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disˈmissal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manager decided to dismiss the employee for gross misconduct.
- The judge chose to dismiss the charges due to lack of evidence.
American English
- The board voted to dismiss the CEO.
- She quickly dismissed the idea as impractical.
adverb
British English
- He waved dismissively at the suggestion.
- She spoke dismissively about her predecessor's work.
American English
- The proposal was dismissed dismissively by the committee.
- He shrugged dismissively.
adjective
British English
- The dismissive tone of his email was unprofessional.
- She gave a dismissive wave of her hand.
American English
- His dismissive attitude angered the team.
- The report was dismissive of the potential risks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Official termination of an employment contract, often with specific legal procedures.
Academic
Rejection of a theory, hypothesis, or argument as invalid.
Everyday
The act of ending a sports player's contract or a student being expelled from school.
Technical
Legal term for a judge ending a court case without further consideration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disˈmissal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disˈmissal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disˈmissal”
- Using 'dismissal' for a voluntary resignation (incorrect).
- Spelling: 'dissmissal' (double s).
- Confusing 'dismissal' (noun) with 'dismiss' (verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Dismissal' (or firing) implies termination for cause (e.g., performance, misconduct). A 'layoff' is typically due to economic reasons and is not the employee's fault.
Yes. You can have the 'dismissal' of a suggestion, theory, or complaint, meaning it was rejected or not seriously considered.
Both imply removal. 'Dismissal' is broader (jobs, court, ideas). 'Expulsion' is specific to being forced to leave an institution like a school, club, or country.
An immediate dismissal without the usual notice period or full disciplinary process, usually for a serious breach of contract or gross misconduct.
The act of sending someone away or officially ending their employment.
Disˈmissal is usually formal/neutral in register.
Disˈmissal: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈmɪsəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈmɪsəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get the boot (informal)”
- “get the sack (UK informal)”
- “be shown the door”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS-MISS-AL. You are 'missed' no more by the company; you are sent away.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANISATION IS A CONTAINER; dismissal is being forced out of the container. IDEAS ARE OBJECTS; dismissing an idea is throwing it away.
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, 'dismissal' most commonly refers to: