adjective

retired

Having stopped regular employment or been withdrawn from service.

My retired neighbor spends her mornings volunteering at the library.

Etymology

Retire means to withdraw. The participial adjective describes someone withdrawn from regular work or something removed from active service.

More examples

  • As a retired nurse, he still knows how to handle emergencies.
  • The museum displays a retired city bus.
  • She enjoys retired life but misses her coworkers.

Forms

retired

retire verb — To stop working or withdraw from service.

retirement noun — The state of having stopped regular employment.

Similar words

former
Describes an earlier role without implying an ended career.
decommissioned
Emphasizes formal removal from service, especially of equipment or facilities.