noun
Uncommon
severance
SEHV-ruhns
Severance (noun) means the act of ending or cutting off a relationship, connection, or employment. Example: “The severance of diplomatic relations shocked both nations.”
noun
1
The act of ending or cutting off a relationship, connection, or employment.
"The severance of diplomatic relations shocked both nations."
2
Money paid to an employee when their job ends, often due to layoffs.
"She received three months of severance pay after being let go."
How to use severance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ending of a connection or job, or the payment given when employment ends.
Common pairings
severance pay
severance package
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like severance.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- severances
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of diplomatic relations shocked both nations.
Etymology
From sever + -ance.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for severance
See all rhymes for severance →Frequently asked questions
What does “severance” mean?
The word “severance” means the act of ending or cutting off a relationship, connection, or employment. In plain terms, the ending of a connection or job, or the payment given when employment ends.
How do you pronounce “severance”?
“Severance” is pronounced SEHV-ruhns (/ˈsɛv.ɚ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “severance” in a sentence?
Here is “severance” used in a sentence: “The severance of diplomatic relations shocked both nations.”
What part of speech is “severance”?
“Severance” is a noun.
Is “severance” a common word?
“Severance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “severance” have?
“Severance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of ending or cutting off a relationship, connection, or employment.
