dismissal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “dismissal” mean?
The act of officially removing someone from their job.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of officially removing someone from their job.
The act of refusing to consider an idea, argument, or feeling seriously; the act of sending someone away or allowing them to leave; (in cricket) the ending of a batsman's innings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the term identically for job termination. In sports, 'dismissal' is the formal cricket term (UK focus), while US sports would use 'out' or 'ejection'.
Connotations
Equally formal in both varieties. 'Sacking' (UK) or 'firing' (US) are more colloquial equivalents for job loss.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to its established use in cricket commentary and legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dismissal” in a Sentence
dismissal of + [idea/claim/employee]dismissal from + [job/team]dismissal for + [reason/cause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dismissal” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The tribunal ruled his dismissal was procedurally unfair.
- A swift dismissal by the bowler changed the match.
American English
- Her lawsuit alleged wrongful dismissal based on gender.
- The judge ordered the dismissal of all charges.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'Dismissively' is the related adverb, not derived from 'dismissal'.
American English
- N/A - 'Dismissively' is the related adverb, not derived from 'dismissal'.
adjective
British English
- The dismissal procedure must be followed meticulously.
- He received a dismissal letter without prior warning.
American English
- Dismissal policies are outlined in the employee handbook.
- The court's dismissal order was finally issued.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The HR department handled the unfair dismissal case.
Academic
The philosopher argued against the facile dismissal of metaphysical questions.
Everyday
His dismissal from the team came as a huge shock.
Technical
The appeal was based on a procedural error during the dismissal hearing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dismissal”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dismissal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dismissal”
- Using 'dismissal' for a friendly farewell (use 'goodbye').
- Confusing 'dismissal' with 'resignation' (one is employer-initiated, the other employee-initiated).
- Misspelling as 'dismisal' or 'dismisall'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but 'dismissal' is the formal, official term, often used in legal and HR contexts, while 'fired' is more colloquial and direct.
Rarely. It is typically negative for the person dismissed. However, the dismissal of a baseless accusation or a tedious meeting can be seen as positive.
Dismissal is usually for cause (performance, misconduct). Redundancy is due to the role no longer existing, not the person's fault.
The verb is 'dismiss'. Patterns: 'dismiss someone from their job', 'dismiss an idea as nonsense', 'dismiss the class', 'dismiss the charges'.
The act of officially removing someone from their job.
Dismissal is usually formal to neutral in register.
Dismissal: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈmɪs.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈmɪs.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get the sack/dismissal papers”
- “A dismissal out of hand”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS (not) + MISSAL (like 'missile' sent away). A dismissal sends an employee or idea 'away' from the company or consideration.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJECTION IS PHYSICAL REMOVAL / ENDING A CONNECTION IS CUTTING A TIE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dismissal' LEAST likely to be used?