Retired Meaning

UK /rɪˈtaɪəd/
US /rɪˈtaɪɚd/
Word Definition
retired meaning

Retired Definition & Usage

adjective

Describing a person who has ceased working, typically due to age, after a long career or following an official retirement policy.

Examples

  • "After 40 years in the education system, Mrs. Johnson finally retired last year."
  • "He’s a retired engineer who now enjoys gardening and traveling."
  • "My father retired at 65 and now spends his days volunteering at the local animal shelter."
  • "Many people dream of retiring early to spend more time with family and hobbies."
  • "She retired from her position as CEO and now focuses on charitable work."
verb

To stop working after a long period, typically because of age or eligibility for pension benefits.

Examples

  • "He retired after a long career in medicine and is now enjoying his free time."
  • "They decided to retire in their early 50s and move to the coast."
  • "She retired last year and now spends her days painting."
  • "After the company downsized, several employees retired early with a generous pension package."
  • "Many workers in the city are choosing to retire abroad to live more affordably."
verb

To formally step down from an active role, often due to personal choice or external factors.

Examples

  • "The athlete retired from professional football after a major injury."
  • "The politician announced that she would retire from public office after serving for 30 years."
  • "The actor retired from the film industry at the height of his career."
  • "He retired from the music scene to focus on his family life."
  • "After his controversial statements, the CEO was forced to retire earlier than expected."

Cultural Context

In many cultures, retirement is seen as a milestone or transition from working life to leisure, often celebrated with a party or ceremony. However, the concept of retirement varies widely across professions and countries. In some places, people continue to work well into their 70s or 80s due to financial necessity or personal choice.

The Unexpected Retirement

Story

The Unexpected Retirement

David had spent most of his life as a successful lawyer in the city. For years, he’d been chasing promotions, client meetings, and the next big case. But when his 65th birthday came, everything changed. One crisp autumn afternoon, as he sat in his office looking over his retirement paperwork, David realized that he was ready to retire—something he had never really considered before. At first, the idea of leaving behind decades of work felt strange. But as he handed in his resignation and made plans to 'retire,' he began to imagine a new life filled with things he'd always meant to do. Gardening, painting, and traveling the world were now on his agenda. His wife, Linda, was thrilled at the idea of spending more time together, but she too was on the brink of retirement. They decided to take a trip to Italy to celebrate this new phase in their lives. After years of professional ambition, the idea of a life without deadlines or office politics felt like a dream come true. Little did they know, David’s decision to retire wasn’t just about ending a career—it was about rediscovering himself, his family, and the joys of living for the moment.

The Unexpected Retirement