ex-serviceman
C1Formal, official, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A man who has served in the armed forces and is now retired or discharged.
A person (historically and typically male) who is a former member of a military service, army, navy, or air force. The term often implies eligibility for veteran benefits and associations.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is gender-specific. In modern inclusive language, 'veteran' or 'ex-service personnel' is preferred when gender is unspecified. It carries connotations of past service, often with a focus on the transition to civilian life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English. In American English, 'veteran' is the overwhelmingly preferred term.
Connotations
In the UK, it can sound slightly formal or official. In the US, using 'ex-serviceman' instead of 'veteran' may sound oddly specific or dated.
Frequency
High frequency in UK official/government contexts; low frequency in everyday American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[ex-serviceman + from + branch (e.g., RAF)][ex-serviceman + of + war/conflict]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in HR contexts discussing hiring initiatives for veterans.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or political studies focusing on military personnel and reintegration.
Everyday
Used in news reports, official forms, or when referring to someone's specific background in conversation.
Technical
Used in legal, governmental, and military administrative contexts concerning pensions, benefits, and associations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The ex-serviceman community voted.
- He attended an ex-serviceman association meeting.
American English
- He joined a veteran community.
- She works for an ex-serviceman support network.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandfather is an ex-serviceman.
- The ex-serviceman received a medal for his service.
- After leaving the army, the ex-serviceman found a job in engineering.
- The charity provides crucial mental health support for ex-servicemen struggling with the transition to civilian life.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
EXit from SERVICE as a MAN → ex-serviceman.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (from service to civilian life).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'экс-военнослужащий' which is unnatural; use 'ветеран' (veteran) or 'бывший военнослужащий'.
- Note that 'serviceman' is not 'слуга' (servant) but specifically a military member.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ex-serviceman' for a currently serving member (oxymoron).
- Using it as a plural without changing 'man' to 'men' (ex-servicemen).
- Capitalising it incorrectly (not a proper noun).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most commonly used in American English instead of 'ex-serviceman'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the term is specifically masculine. For women, 'ex-servicewoman' is used, though 'veteran' or 'ex-service personnel' are common gender-neutral alternatives.
'Veteran' is broader and more common, especially in American English, and can imply combat experience. 'Ex-serviceman' is more formal and specifically denotes a former member of the armed forces, regardless of combat.
Yes, if they are discharged or retired, they are an ex-serviceman, regardless of how recent their service was.
In some contexts, yes, especially where gender-neutral language is preferred. 'Veteran' or 'ex-service personnel' are often modern substitutes, but 'ex-serviceman' remains in formal/official use.