Fired: meaning, definitions and examples

🔥
Add to dictionary

fired

 

[ faɪərd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

dismissal from a job

To be dismissed from employment, typically due to poor performance, misconduct, or downsizing. Being fired usually means the termination of one's job and the loss of income.

Synonyms

dismissed, sacked, terminated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fired

Usually used in informal or everyday conversations. It often suggests that the reason for ending the employment was the employee's fault.

  • He was fired for consistently being late
  • She got fired because of her mistake
dismissed

Used in more formal contexts. It can imply that the employee was let go not necessarily due to their poor performance, but possibly for structural or policy reasons.

  • He was dismissed after the company restructured
  • The employee was dismissed without explanation
sacked

Commonly used in British English, often in informal contexts. It usually carries a negative connotation, indicating that the employee did something wrong.

  • He was sacked for misconduct
  • She got sacked after the mistake was discovered
terminated

Used in formal business or legal contexts. It is a neutral term that can be used to refer to both voluntary and involuntary departure.

  • His contract was terminated last month
  • The employee was terminated according to company policy

Examples of usage

  • I was fired from my job for consistently being late to work.
  • She was fired for violating company policies.
  • The entire department was fired due to budget cuts.
Context #2 | Verb

to shoot a weapon

To discharge a weapon, such as a gun or a rifle. It can also refer to the act of starting a fire or igniting something.

Synonyms

discharge, ignite, shoot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fired

Often used when someone is let go from a job, usually involuntarily.

  • She was fired from her job due to poor performance.
  • The company fired several employees during the restructuring.
discharge

Commonly used in military and medical contexts, referring to being released from duty or care. Can have a formal or serious tone.

  • The soldier was honorably discharged after serving for ten years.
  • The patient was discharged from the hospital this morning.

Examples of usage

  • The soldier fired his rifle at the enemy.
  • The arsonist fired the building to cover up the evidence.

Translations

Translations of the word "fired" in other languages:

🇵🇹 demitido

🇮🇳 निकाला गया (nikālā gayā)

🇩🇪 gef Feuert

🇮🇩 dipecat

🇺🇦 звільнений

🇵🇱 zwolniony

🇯🇵 解雇された (kaiko sareta)

🇫🇷 licencié

🇪🇸 despedido

🇹🇷 kovuldu

🇰🇷 해고된 (haego doen)

🇸🇦 مطرود (maṭrūd)

🇨🇿 propuštěn

🇸🇰 prepustený

🇨🇳 被解雇 (bèi jiěgù)

🇸🇮 odpuščen

🇮🇸 rekinn

🇰🇿 жұмыстан шығарылған (zhūmystan shyǵarylǵan)

🇬🇪 გათავისუფლებული (gatavisuplebuli)

🇦🇿 işdən çıxarılıb

🇲🇽 despedido

Etymology

The word 'fired' originated from the Old English word 'fȳr' which meant fire. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the act of igniting or discharging something, such as a weapon. In the context of employment, 'fired' came to signify the act of dismissing an individual from their job.

See also: bonfire, fiery, fire, firearm, firearms, firebomb, firebox, firebrand, firebug, firecrackers, firefighter, fireman, fireplace, firepower, firestorm, firewall, firewoman, firework, fireworks, firing, misfire.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,733, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.