Leaving a Job: Meaning and Usage

Meaning 1：resigning from a position (Leaving a job)

Leaving a job 🔊

/ˈliːvɪŋ ə dʒɒb/

v.phr.

the act of stopping work at a particular company or position, ending the employment.

Person packing desk leaving job transition farewell

resigning from a position 🔊

➕

/rɪˈzaɪnɪŋ frəm ə pəˈzɪʃən/

v.phr.

The act of ending one's employment at a company or organization, either voluntarily or involuntarily.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

'Leaving' from Old English 'lǣfan' (to allow to remain); 'job' possibly from 'jobbe' meaning a piece of work.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'Leaving' as 'L-EAVE-ING' – you take your leave and walk out the door.

📖 Example

After much thought, Sarah decided on leaving her job to explore new opportunities in a different city. 🔊 After much thought, Sarah decided on leaving her job to explore new opportunities in a different city.

🔗 Collocations

hand in one's notice – to formally resign by submitting a written notice to the employer

give two weeks' notice – to inform the employer that you will leave in two weeks, a common professional courtesy

exit interview – a discussion with a departing employee about their reasons for leaving and feedback on the company

🔄 Synonyms

quit (v.) – to voluntarily leave a job or position, often more informally

resign (v.) – to formally announce that you are leaving a job or position

depart (v.) – to leave a job or organization, often in a professional context

🚫 Antonyms

get hired (v. phr.) – to be offered and accept a job position

start a new job (v. phr.) – to begin employment at a new company or role

🌱 Derivatives

leaver (n.) – a person who leaves a job, often used in HR contexts (e.g., 'the leaver rate')

📖 Cultural Story

In modern workplaces, leaving a job typically involves a resignation letter, notice period, and exit interview, symbolizing a career transition.