Firing: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in informal situations to describe the process of losing a job, usually because of poor performance or misconduct.

• He was fired for being consistently late to work

This term is more formal and is typically used in legal or official contexts. It implies that the person is no longer required to work for the company.

• The employee received a letter of dismissal after violating company policy

Commonly used in British English, this word is informal and carries a slightly negative connotation. It is used to indicate that someone has been removed from their job, often abruptly.

• After the big mistake, the manager was sacked immediately

This is a formal word, often used in HR and legal documents. It implies that an employment contract has ended, either by mutual agreement or due to a specific reason.

• Her termination was finalized after several months of poor performance reviews

Typically used in a general sense to describe the action of discharging a weapon.

• The soldiers were relentless in their firing during the battle.
• You could hear the firing from miles away.

Generally used to describe the act of someone discharging a firearm, often referring to incidents involving individuals.

• There was a shooting at the mall yesterday.
• The police are investigating a shooting in the neighborhood.

Most commonly used to describe the sound or act of guns being shot, often in a violent or chaotic situation.

• The sudden gunfire caused panic among the crowd.
• Gunfire erupted in the streets late at night.

Specifically refers to the act of firing explosive shells, usually in a military or wartime setting.

• The city endured heavy shelling for several days.
• Shelling from enemy forces damaged many buildings.

In the context of starting or discharging a weapon, such as a gun or artillery.

• The soldiers were firing their rifles during the training exercise.
• The sound of firing could be heard throughout the battlefield.

Used when cooking food on a grill, often outdoors and giving the food a charred flavor. It can also mean to question someone intensely.

• We spent the afternoon grilling burgers and hotdogs in the backyard.
• The detective was grilling the suspect for hours about his alibi.

Cooking food, usually meat, with dry heat in an oven or over an open flame. It can also mean teasing someone humorously but can have a negative impact if taken too far.

• She was roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
• They were all laughing and roasting each other at the party.

Used when cooking food directly under high heat. Often used in the context of cooking meat or vegetables.

• The chicken was broiling in the oven, making the kitchen smell delicious.
• For a quick meal, broiling fish is an excellent choice.

Commonly used in more informal situations, where the emotion behind the action might be strong. It often suggests a sense of abruptness or severity.

• The employee was fired for stealing from the company.
• After the scandal, the CEO was promptly fired.

Often utilized in more formal or legal settings. It implies a decision has been made to end someone's employment, usually in a neutral tone.

• The company dismissed several workers due to the budget cuts.
• After an investigation, the employee was dismissed for misconduct.

Commonly used in British English, this term has a somewhat informal and colloquial feel. It often carries a negative connotation.

• He got the sack for consistently coming to work late.
• They had to sack half the staff because of financial difficulties.

Used in formal or professional contexts, usually found in official documents or HR communications. It conveys the sense of an administrative or procedural step.

• The company has decided to terminate your contract as of next month.
• Your employment will be terminated effective immediately.