firing

word · lemma: fire

/ˈfaɪɝɹɪŋ/
FY-ring
/fˈaɪəɹɪŋ/
FY-uh-ring

Definition

The act of making someone leave their job. It can also mean shooting a gun or causing something to start burning, depending on the context.

Usage & Nuances

Most often, 'firing' refers to losing a job and is common in workplace contexts: 'a firing', 'firing employees'. It is stronger and more direct than 'layoff', which usually suggests job cuts for business reasons. In other contexts, 'firing' commonly appears in 'firing a gun' or 'firing up a grill/engine'.

Example Sentences

We heard the firing of guns in the distance.

basic

The company announced the firing of two managers.

basic

The firing of the oven takes only a few minutes.

basic

After the firing, morale in the office dropped fast.

natural

The video clearly shows the firing of the first shot.

natural

He handled the firing badly, and now the whole team is upset.

natural