retired
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for retired, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — No longer working, especially after reaching pension age.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use retired
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “retired” mean?
The word “retired” means no longer working, especially after reaching pension age. In plain terms, having stopped working permanently, or (less commonly) quiet and out of the way.
How do you pronounce “retired”?
“Retired” is pronounced rih-TEYE-uhd (/ɹɪˈtaɪəɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “retired” in a sentence?
Here is “retired” used in a sentence: “My retired neighbour spends most days in the garden.”
What part of speech is “retired”?
“Retired” is an adjective.
Is “retired” a common word?
“Retired” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “retired” have?
“Retired” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: no longer working, especially after reaching pension age.
What is the difference between retired and unemployed?
Both mean you are not currently working, but the reason differs. A retired person has permanently left the workforce, usually after a full career and often around pension age, by choice. An unemployed person wants a job and is available to work but doesn't have one. Retirement is an ending; unemployment is a gap.
At what age do people usually retire?
It varies by country and by the individual. Many people retire around the state or private pension age, often in their mid-sixties, when pension income becomes available. Some retire earlier if their finances allow, while others keep working well beyond the usual age. There is no single fixed age that applies everywhere.
Can you be retired and still work?
Yes. Many retired people take on part-time, casual, or voluntary work after leaving their main career, sometimes called semi-retirement. Being retired chiefly means having drawn a pension and stepped back from full-time employment; it doesn't rule out earning on the side or returning to work if circumstances change.