noun

superannuation

soo-per-an-yoo-AY-shun

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Superannuation (noun) means a retirement savings scheme in which an employer, and often the employee too, pays a regular percentage of wages into a fund that is drawn on after retirement; the money held in such a fund. Example: “Her employer pays superannuation on top of her salary.”

noun

chiefly Australian and New Zealand A retirement savings scheme in which an employer, and often the employee too, pays a regular percentage of wages into a fund that is drawn on after retirement; the money held in such a fund.

"Her employer pays superannuation on top of her salary."

"He rolled his old superannuation into a single fund when he changed jobs."

formal The act of retiring someone, or of putting something out of service because it has become too old to be useful.

"The superannuation of the fleet was scheduled for the following spring."

How to use superannuation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMoney set aside from your pay while you work, to live on after you retire.

When to use it

Everyday in Australia and New Zealand, where it is usually shortened to "super"; more formal and less common in British and American English.

Memory tip

Note the spelling: super + annu + ation, one n in super and two in annuation.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

pension → annuity → superannuated →

Common pairings

superannuation fund superannuation contributions compulsory superannuation superannuation guarantee

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “superannuation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her employer pays _____ on top of her salary.

Etymology

From Latin super- "beyond" and annus "year", by way of the medieval Latin superannuatus "more than a year old, worn out with age".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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super pension retirement fund 401(k) obsoleteness

Related words

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Rhymes for superannuation

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See all rhymes for superannuation →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between superannuation and a pension?

Superannuation is the fund you build up from contributions during your working life; a pension is a regular income paid out, either from that fund or by the state. In Australia "super" is the near-universal term for the savings pot, while "pension" usually means the government Age Pension.

Is superannuation the same as a 401(k)?

They do the same job — tax-advantaged workplace retirement saving — but the rules differ. Australian super has a compulsory employer contribution set by law, whereas a US 401(k) is voluntary and driven mainly by employee contributions with optional employer matching.

What does superannuated mean?

It describes a person retired on a pension, or, more commonly now, something too old or outdated to be of use — "a superannuated filing system". It is often mildly humorous or dismissive.

What is the meaning of superannuation?

"superannuation" (noun) means a retirement savings scheme in which an employer, and often the employee too, pays a regular percentage of wages into a fund that is drawn on after retirement; the money held in such a fund.

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