retirement
B2Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The act of leaving one's job and ceasing to work, typically after reaching a certain age or length of service, or the period of life after doing so.
Can also refer to a withdrawal from active public life or a period of seclusion, or, in a military context, a withdrawal to a defensive position. Figuratively, the retreat of something, like glaciers.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with a permanent exit from one's primary career. Implies a state of receiving a pension or using accumulated savings. The word itself is neutral, but cultural connotations (positive/negative) vary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in related terms (e.g., 'retirement age' vs. 'retirement age' are identical). The concept of 'pension' (UK) vs. '401(k)/Social Security' (US) is the main contextual difference.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are culturally dependent. Can imply well-earned leisure, financial anxiety, or loss of purpose.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
retirement from [NOUN: job, army, politics]retirement at [NOUN/AGE: 65, an early age]retirement into [NOUN: obscurity, private life]go into retirementtake (early) retirementVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put out to pasture”
- “hang up one's boots/spurs”
- “enjoy one's golden years”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to employee benefits, succession planning, and financial products (e.g., 'managing retirement portfolios').
Academic
Studied in sociology, economics, and gerontology (e.g., 'the impact of demographic shifts on retirement systems').
Everyday
Common in life planning discussions (e.g., 'We're saving for retirement.' 'My uncle is nearing retirement.').
Technical
In law: specific rules for pension eligibility. In finance: a phase of asset decumulation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He will retire next summer.
- The batsman retired hurt on 50.
American English
- She plans to retire at 67.
- The general was forced to retire from the field.
adverb
British English
- This is not used. 'Retired' is an adjective. 'He lives retiredly' is archaic/non-standard.
American English
- This is not used. 'Retired' is an adjective. 'He lives retiredly' is archaic/non-standard.
adjective
British English
- Their retirement income was carefully calculated.
- He attended a retirement briefing.
American English
- They moved to a retirement community in Florida.
- We reviewed our retirement accounts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandfather is in retirement.
- What will you do in retirement?
- The company offers a good retirement plan.
- Many people dream of early retirement.
- He took voluntary retirement to pursue his hobbies.
- Planning for retirement requires careful financial management.
- The gradual retirement of coal-fired plants is essential for meeting climate targets.
- Her research focuses on the sociological implications of delayed retirement.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-TIRE-MENT. You are changing your 'tires' (career path) for a new, slower journey through life.
Conceptual Metaphor
RETIREMENT IS A JOURNEY'S END / A NEW BEGINNING. (e.g., 'embarking on retirement,' 'the road to retirement').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'пенсия' as 'pension' for the *state*; 'retirement' is the life stage, 'state pension' is the payment. 'Выйти на пенсию' = 'to retire.'
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He got retirement.' Correct: 'He retired.' / 'He took retirement.' Incorrect: 'Retirement age in my country is for men 60.' Correct: '...is 60 for men.'
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is a common collocation with 'retirement'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while traditionally associated with older age, 'early retirement' can occur at any adult age, and some professions (like sports) have very early retirement norms.
'Retirement' is the life stage or event of stopping work. A 'pension' is the regular payment received during retirement.
Yes, figuratively. E.g., 'the retirement of an old spacecraft from service' or 'the glacier's retirement up the valley.'
No. It can be mandatory (due to age or policy), voluntary, or forced (due to ill health or redundancy).
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