What is the opposite of “employ”?

What is the antonym of “employ”?

The antonyms of employ are dismiss, fire, and terminate. These words describe the opposite of hiring or giving someone a job. They imply that the employment relationship has ended, either by choice or by force.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

dismiss

To remove someone from their job or position, usually because of poor performance or misconduct.

Example

The company decided to dismiss the employee for repeatedly violating the company's code of conduct.

fire

To terminate someone's employment, often suddenly and without warning, usually because of financial reasons or poor performance.

Example

The company had to fire several employees due to budget cuts and declining sales.

terminate

To end an employment relationship, either by mutual agreement or by one party's decision.

Example

The employee decided to terminate his contract with the company after receiving a better job offer from a competitor.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Dismiss implies that the employee was removed from their job due to poor performance or misconduct.
• 2. Fire suggests that the termination was sudden and often due to financial reasons or poor performance.
• 3. Terminate is a more neutral term that can describe the end of an employment relationship by mutual agreement or by one party's decision.

Good things to know

• 1. Business Communication: Use these antonyms to discuss employment relationships and changes in staffing.
• 2. Legal Writing: Incorporate these words in legal documents such as contracts and severance agreements.
• 3. Job Interviews: Be prepared to explain why you were dismissed, fired, or terminated from previous jobs.

📌

Remember this!

The antonyms of employ are dismiss, fire, and terminate. These words describe the opposite of hiring or giving someone a job. Use them to discuss employment relationships, changes in staffing, and in legal writing. Be prepared to explain why you were dismissed, fired, or terminated from previous jobs during job interviews.