retiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retiring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of leaving one's job or profession, typically due to age or after a long period of service. Example: "After 30 years of dedicated service, she is finally retiring and looking forward to spending more time with her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Panmure Gordon analyst Barrie Cornes said: "The combination of a growing middle class in Asia, retiring baby boomers in the US and a need for retirement solutions in the UK combine to create a great opportunity to grow in its chosen markets".

The Guardian - Business

The news came as a surprise to nationalist colleagues, although Mr Mallon is a year older than Mr Hume, who is retiring on health grounds.

The Guardian

Willke quit delivering babies in the late 1960s to oppose abortion, retiring from his medical practice in 1988 to fully devote his time to the anti-abortion movement.

The Guardian

For anyone retiring and wanting a place in the sun, is now the time to buy?

The Guardian - Money

What was it that persuaded him to leave his handsome home in Barcelona, where he has lived and prospered in business since retiring as a player, to risk all in Lanarkshire?

The Guardian - Sport

However, the Unionists could hold on to the seat which the retiring UUP MP Ken Maginnis won back from republicans in 1983.

The Guardian

In 2010, notwithstanding the notorious note left by the retiring chief secretary to the Treasury, we were not broke.

The Guardian - Business

He said he had no intention of retiring from politics, as his daughter might have wanted, and that instead he was thinking only of how to attack.

The Guardian

He's not intending to make a valedictory speech this evening (there are a couple due today, just as there was a couple yesterday); even though he's retiring.

The Guardian

Ben Barry, a former brigadier and a specialist in land warfare, based at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, led an analysis of the lessons of the Iraq campaign in his last job before retiring from the army in 2010.

The Guardian

While the Scotch Whisky Association had waged a substantial lobbying campaign to get the duty cut by 2p, Osborne was also lobbied directly by retiring Lib Dem MP Sir Malcolm Bruce and his successor Christine Jardine, who is attempting to hold onto Bruce's seat of Gordon against a potent challenge from Salmond.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "retiring", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean they are approaching retirement, have recently retired, or possess a shy disposition. Provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "retiring" only in the context of someone leaving a job. Remember it also describes a personality trait, meaning shy or introverted. Always make sure the context provides clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "retiring" primarily functions as an adjective, describing someone who is about to retire or someone who is shy and reserved. As Ludwig AI shows, it can also act as a noun meaning retirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retiring" is a versatile term most commonly used as an adjective with two primary meanings: approaching retirement or possessing a shy, introverted nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also function as a noun denoting retirement itself. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, formal business contexts, and carries a neutral register. To avoid ambiguity, it's crucial to provide context when using "retiring" to clarify the intended meaning, whether related to employment status or personality traits. Considering alternatives like "leaving the workforce" or "introverted" can also enhance clarity. Overall, "retiring" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, provided its context is well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going into retirement

Indicates the process of transitioning into a post-employment phase of life.

concluding one's career

Highlights the completion of a professional trajectory.

leaving the workforce

Focuses on the action of exiting employment, rather than the state of being near retirement or being shy.

stepping down

Implies relinquishing a position or role, often in a professional context.

withdrawing from public life

Emphasizes a retreat from public activities and visibility.

tending to seclusion

Describes a inclination toward isolation and solitude.

becoming private

Suggests a shift toward a more secluded or personal existence.

becoming reserved

Focuses on adopting a more restrained and private demeanor.

introverted

Highlights a personality trait characterized by a preference for solitude.

quiet

Emphasizes a low profile and reserved nature.

FAQs

How is "retiring" used to describe personality?

When describing someone's personality, "retiring" suggests they are shy, introverted, and prefer privacy. For instance, "He's a "shy person" with a retiring nature" indicates his reserved character.

What does it mean when someone is "retiring" from a job?

In the context of employment, "retiring" refers to the act of leaving one's job or profession, typically due to age or after a long period of service. It signifies the conclusion of their career, often accompanied by a transition to a post-employment lifestyle.

What can I say instead of "retiring" when someone leaves a job?

You can use alternatives like "stepping down", "leaving the workforce", or "concluding one's career" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "retiring" when someone is resigning?

While both involve leaving a position, "retiring" typically implies age or long service, whereas resigning suggests a voluntary departure for other reasons. Resigning may imply moving to another job or changing career paths, unlike "going into retirement".