Retired: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to someone who has stopped working, typically due to age, and is no longer active in their professional career.

• My father is retired and now spends his days gardening
• She is a retired teacher who volunteers at the local library

Used formally to indicate a previous role or position someone held. It can be used in both professional and personal contexts.

• The former president attended the ceremony
• She was a former employee of the company

Usually applied to denote someone who held a particular position or role in the past but no longer does. Commonly used informally.

• She met her ex-husband at the reunion
• He is an ex-football player, now working as a coach

Specifically refers to someone who is receiving a pension, typically after retiring from work. The term can imply a formal retirement and receipt of benefits.

• He is pensioned and receives monthly payments from the government
• Many pensioned individuals move to warmer climates

When someone stops working permanently, usually because of age or long service.

• After 40 years of service, she retired from the company.
• He is enjoying his retired life traveling the world.

When someone leaves a job or activity suddenly or abruptly, often without giving much notice. This can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• She decided to quit her job to start her own business.
• He quit the team after several disagreements with the coach.

When someone formally leaves a job or position, usually by providing a written notice. It is often used in professional settings.

• He submitted his resignation letter and resigned as CEO.
• She resigned from her position to pursue further education.

When someone leaves a position, especially one of authority, often to allow someone else to take over. It often implies a voluntary decision.

• The chairman decided to step down after ten years of leadership.
• She stepped down from her role to focus on her family.