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reenlistment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2 (Very low frequency, domain-specific)
UK/ˌriːɪnˈlɪs(t)m(ə)nt/US/ˌriːənˈlɪs(t)mənt/

Formal; official; military/government context.

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Quick answer

What does “reenlistment” mean?

The action or process of signing up to serve in the military again, after a previous term has ended.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The action or process of signing up to serve in the military again, after a previous term has ended.

A formal renewal of one's commitment to an armed service. The act of re-enrolling or recommitting to a long-term professional service or organization, analogous to military service.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in core meaning. Hyphenation may be more common in UK English (re-enlistment) but both forms are accepted in both regions. The institution and procedures referenced are specific to each nation's military.

Connotations

Neutral official term in both varieties. Carries connotations of patriotism, career commitment, or sometimes financial incentive.

Frequency

Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger active military population and public discourse, but remains a low-frequency specialist term in both.

Grammar

How to Use “reenlistment” in a Sentence

[subject]'s reenlistment in [the army/navy/etc.]the reenlistment of [subject]apply for reenlistmentreenlistment after [a period]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
military reenlistmentreenlistment bonusceremony of reenlistmentreenlistment oathrate of reenlistment
medium
eligible for reenlistmentsigned his reenlistmentconsider reenlistmentdecision to reenlist
weak
voluntary reenlistmentimmediate reenlistmentcareer reenlistmentofficial reenlistment

Examples

Examples of “reenlistment” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • He decided to re-enlist for another five-year commission.
  • Soldiers were encouraged to reenlist to receive the retention bonus.

American English

  • He decided to reenlist for another five-year hitch.
  • The sergeant major chose to reenlist during the ceremony abroad.

adverb

British English

  • (None - not standard)
  • (None - not standard)

adjective

British English

  • The re-enlistment paperwork was processed swiftly.
  • He attended a re-enlistment ceremony.

American English

  • The reenlistment bonus was a significant factor in his decision.
  • She oversaw the reenlistment program for the battalion.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Could be used metaphorically for a key employee renewing a long-term contract.

Academic

Used in political science, history, sociology papers discussing military manpower and retention.

Everyday

Virtually unused unless discussing personal military career plans.

Technical

Core term in military administration, personnel management, and defence policy.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “reenlistment”

Strong

recommissioning (for officers)service extension

Neutral

re-enrolment (UK)re-enrollment (US)re-signingextension of service

Weak

renewal of contractcontinuation

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “reenlistment”

dischargedemobilizationseparationretirementresignation

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “reenlistment”

  • Misspelling: 're-enlistment' vs. 'reenlistment' (both correct, but be consistent). Incorrectly using it for a first-time enlistee. Pronouncing it as /riːˈɛnlɪstmənt/ (stress is on 'list', not 'en').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Primarily yes, it is a formal military term. It can be used metaphorically in other contexts (e.g., 'corporate reenlistment' for contract renewal), but this is rare and stylised.

'Enlistment' refers to joining for the first time. 'Reenlistment' specifically requires a prior period of service that has ended or is ending.

Typically, officers are 'commissioned' or 'recommissioned.' 'Reenlistment' is the term most associated with enlisted personnel (non-officers). However, in general discourse, it may be used more broadly.

Stress the 'list' syllable: ree-en-LIST-ment. The first syllable 're-' is also pronounced clearly, not reduced to 'ruh'.

The action or process of signing up to serve in the military again, after a previous term has ended.

Reenlistment is usually formal; official; military/government context. in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “To sign on the dotted line again (informal, related).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: RE- (again) + ENLIST (join the military) + MENT (the act of). The act of joining the military again.

Conceptual Metaphor

COMMITMENT IS A SIGNED CONTRACT; CONTINUITY IS RE-ENTERING A PATH.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
After much deliberation, Sergeant Miller signed the papers for his in the Marines.
Multiple Choice

In which context is the word 'reenlistment' MOST appropriately used?