retired
rih-TEYE-uhd
Retired (adj) means No longer working, especially after reaching pension age. Example: “My retired neighbour spends most days in the garden.”
adj
1
No longer working, especially after reaching pension age.
"My retired neighbour spends most days in the garden."
"The retired workers are a major expense due to their pensions."
"My retired father now spends his mornings fishing by the lake."
"She is retired now and enjoys travelling with her friends."
2
Quiet and secluded.
"I lead a retired lifestyle."
"He lived a retired life in a village by the sea."
"They found a retired spot by the lake where nobody disturbed them."
"They chose a retired little cottage far from the main road."
How to use retired
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving stopped working permanently, or (less commonly) quiet and out of the way.
Common pairings
retired teacher
newly retired
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more retired
- Superlative
- most retired
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My _____ neighbour spends most days in the garden.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for retired
See all rhymes for retired →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.
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