sacked
B2Informal, but common in news and business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To be dismissed from a job, typically in a sudden or forceful manner.
To be removed from a position or role; also, in sports (especially UK), to tackle the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage (American football). Informally, to be defeated or removed from a competition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a degree of failure, blame, or unsuitability leading to the dismissal. Often carries a negative connotation for the person dismissed, though not necessarily for the action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'sacked' is the primary informal term for being fired. In the US, 'fired' is more common, though 'sacked' is understood. In US sports journalism, 'sacked' is the standard term for tackling the quarterback.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with employment dismissal. US: Slightly more literary or journalistic for job loss; strongly sports-related.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English for job dismissal. In US English, 'fired', 'let go', or 'terminated' are more frequent in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + be/get + sacked + (from + JOB) + (for + REASON)SUBJ + sack + OBJ (employer sacks employee)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get the sack”
- “Given the sack”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in headlines and internal communications about dismissals, e.g., 'CEO sacked after profit warning.'
Academic
Rare, except in sociological or business case studies discussing employment.
Everyday
Very common in conversation about job loss, e.g., 'I heard Dave got sacked.'
Technical
Used in American football commentary and statistics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The board sacked the manager for poor results.
- If you're late again, you'll get sacked.
American English
- The quarterback was sacked three times in the first quarter.
- The scandal led to him being sacked as chairman.
adjective
British English
- The sacked workers protested outside the factory.
- He's a sacked football manager looking for a new club.
American English
- The sacked quarterback fumbled the ball.
- Sacked employees are eligible for unemployment benefits.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He was sacked from his job.
- My friend got sacked last week.
- She was sacked for being late too many times.
- The company sacked ten people to save money.
- After the merger, several senior executives were summarily sacked.
- The minister was sacked following the publication of the critical report.
- Despite his successful tenure, he was unceremoniously sacked by the new owners.
- The defensive line sacked the quarterback before he could even look downfield.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a worker carrying a SACK out of the office with their belongings after being told to leave.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMPLOYMENT IS A CONTAINER (being 'in' a job); DISMISSAL IS PHYSICAL EJECTION (thrown out, sacked).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'sack' meaning a bag (мешок). The verb is unrelated to the bag in meaning.
- The Russian 'уволен' is a direct equivalent, but 'sacked' is more informal and often implies cause.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sacked' in formal US HR documents (use 'terminated').
- Saying 'I sacked from my job' (correct: 'I was sacked from my job' or 'I got sacked').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sacked' MOST commonly used in British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal. In formal writing, use 'dismissed' or 'terminated'.
'Sacked' implies dismissal due to personal performance or fault. 'Made redundant' implies the job itself is no longer needed, not due to the employee's fault.
Yes, but it's less common for job loss than 'fired'. It is the standard term in American football for tackling the quarterback.
The company sacked him. 'Sack' is a transitive verb requiring a subject (the employer) and an object (the employee).
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