lost their job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost their job" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has been terminated or laid off from their employment. Example: "Due to the economic downturn, many employees lost their job and are now seeking new opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They lost their job.

The New Yorker

Another person who had a job called; they lost their job.

The New York Times

("Get those nurses and firefighters who lost their job on television," one Democratic adviser said).

The New York Times

Nobody lost their job because someone revealed to their boss that they were straight.

The Guardian - Opinion

In each of the 45 seasons since, someone has lost their job in the top-flight.

The Guardian - Sport

"Some are saying they lost their job or anticipate losing their job," Ms. Persico said.

The New York Times

Maybe they've lost their job and they have given up hope. . . .

The New Yorker

"Never want to see someone lost their job," wrote Donovan in a tweet.

The Guardian - Sport

They have lost their job and quite possibly the trust of some family and friends.

The Guardian

"They're not homeless because they lost their job or have nowhere to live.

The New York Times

Unless someone has lost their job then what really is the problem?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's job loss, be mindful of the context and choose language that is sensitive and respectful. Avoid euphemisms that might obscure the reality of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using casual or dismissive language when discussing job loss. Phrases like "got canned" or "was let go" can minimize the emotional impact of the situation on the individual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost their job" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of involuntarily ceasing employment. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a common expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost their job" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe someone who is no longer employed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and accepted in written English. It carries a neutral tone and can be used across various contexts, including news reports, scientific publications, and business communications. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of the context and choose language that is sensitive and respectful. Alternatives like "became unemployed" or "was laid off" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became unemployed

Focuses on the state of being without employment, a direct consequence of losing a job.

was laid off

Specifically describes a job loss due to company restructuring or downsizing.

was terminated

Indicates a formal dismissal from employment, often due to performance or misconduct.

was made redundant

Similar to "laid off", but more common in British English, referring to job loss due to the role no longer being needed.

had their employment terminated

A more formal and passive way of saying someone was fired or dismissed.

their position was eliminated

Focuses on the removal of the job role itself, rather than the individual's performance.

is out of work

Describes the current state of being without a job.

left their employment

A neutral way of saying someone is no longer employed, without specifying the reason.

was dismissed from their post

Implies a formal and potentially negative reason for job termination.

faced job displacement

Highlights the involuntary nature of losing a job, often due to external factors.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "lost their job"?

You can use phrases such as "employment was terminated" or "position was eliminated" for a more formal tone.

Is it better to say "laid off" or "lost their job"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "laid off" specifically implies that the job loss was due to company restructuring or downsizing, rather than individual performance. "Lost their job" is a more general term.

What are some sensitive ways to describe someone who "lost their job"?

Consider using phrases like "became unemployed" or "is out of work" to focus on the state of unemployment rather than the act of losing the job.

How does "lost their job" differ from "was fired"?

"Was fired" typically implies that the job loss was due to the employee's performance or misconduct. "Lost their job" is a broader term that can encompass various reasons for job termination, including layoffs and company closures.