What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decommissioning
Example
The decommissioning of the nuclear power plant took several years to complete. [decommissioning: noun]
Example
The company decided to decommission the old machinery and replace it with newer models. [decommission: verb]
retirement
Example
After 30 years of service, John decided to retire and enjoy his golden years. [retire: verb]
Example
The football player announced his retirement from professional sports after a long and successful career. [retirement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retirement is more commonly used than decommissioning in everyday language. Retirement is a common term used to describe the end of a career or period of service, while decommissioning is a more technical term used in specific industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decommissioning and retirement?
Decommissioning is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while retirement can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and audience.
