Synonyms for Quitting a Job
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team
Quick answer: When leaving a position, you can choose from many words to describe quitting a job. Whether you need a formal resignation letter or a casual conversation phrase, this list covers options ranging from resigning to turning in your badge. Select the term that best fits your specific situation and the tone you wish to convey to your employer.
Closest Synonyms for Quitting A Job
- Resign
- To officially submit a notice to end employment. Submit your resignation to the HR department today.
- Leave
- To depart from a role or position. The team will miss you when you leave.
- Depart
- A formal way to state going away. She will depart the company next month.
- Exit
- To move out of a job or organization. He decided to exit the industry entirely.
- Step down
- To voluntarily end a role, often leadership. The CEO will step down soon.
- Walk out
- To leave suddenly without giving notice. Employees should not walk out without cause.
- Turn in
- To hand back your badge or papers. Please turn in your badge upon departure.
- Cast off
- To discard a role or burden. She cast off her old duties.
- Shelve
- To put a project or role aside temporarily. We must shelve this position for now.
- Discontinue
- To stop an action or engagement. The contract was discontinued early.
- End
- To bring the employment relationship to a close. They agree to end their contract.
- Cease
- To stop working completely. The employee will cease duties immediately.
Formal Synonyms for Quitting A Job
- Retire
- To permanently leave work, usually due to age. She plans to retire next year.
- Separate
- To officially divide oneself from an organization. We will separate our offices by noon.
- Terminate
- To bring a contract to an end formally. The agreement was terminated by mutual consent.
- Disengage
- To disconnect professionally from a role. It is time to disengage from the project.
- Withdraw
- To pull back from a position or commitment. He withdrew his application for the role.
- Vacate
- To clear a position so another can fill it. Please vacate your office by Friday.
- Abandon
- To leave a post or duty, often with finality. He abandoned his post without notice.
- Desist
- To stop an activity or employment relation. The employee must desist immediately.
Informal Synonyms for Quitting A Job
- Bust out
- To get away quickly, sometimes implying escape. I cannot bust out of this place anymore.
- Beat it
- To leave quickly, often used jokingly. Go beat it before you are late.
- Jump ship
- To leave an organization for a new one. We must jump ship if the budget fails.
- Cut loose
- To free oneself from restrictions or jobs. She decided to cut loose from corporate life.
- Beat a retreat
- To leave a situation quickly. They decided to beat a retreat.
- Kick the bucket
- An idiom for dying, not quitting jobs, so skip. Use instead: kick the habit.
- Get out
- To leave a place or situation. It is time to get out of there.
- Cash out
- To leave and take your final pay or benefits. Let us cash out our benefits now.
- Fold
- To stop trying or give up. We have to fold if we lose.
- Bail out
- To leave a situation, often unexpectedly. He bailed out of the meeting early.
Stronger and Weaker Words
- Quit
- Common strength, slightly informal.
- Walk Away
- Weaker, casual expression implying leaving without fanfare
- Abandon Post
- Stronger, suggests leaving a duty in a dramatic or irresponsible way
- Resignation
- Stronger, the formal act or document of leaving a job
- Cast Aside
- Weaker, idiomatic phrase meaning to discard employment
- Leave Employment
- stronger, use for formal departures
- Forsake Career
- stronger, implies deep regret or permanent loss
- Depart Workplace
- weaker, neutral tone for routine exits
- Cease Service
- stronger, often used in contractual contexts
- Break Contract
- stronger, indicates violation of agreement or terms
Antonyms for Quitting A Job
- Starting a job
- Hiring someone
- Accepting an offer
- Onboarding
- Beginning employment
- Returning to work
- Rejoining a company
- Starting a career
- Getting hired
- Taking a position
How to Pick the Right Synonym
Choosing the correct word depends on the context and the audience you are addressing. Use formal terms like resign or retire in official letters or legal documents to maintain professionalism. For casual conversations with friends, informal phrases like jump ship or cut loose convey a lighter tone. Always consider the relationship with your employer and the reason for leaving to ensure the word matches the gravity of the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best formal word for quitting a job?
Resign is the most common and appropriate formal term for ending an employment contract voluntarily. It clearly states the action without ambiguity and is suitable for official letters or notices submitted to human resources departments.
Can I use quit in a professional letter?
While quit is a valid word, it is often too informal for professional letters. It is better to use resign or submit a notice of termination to ensure the communication remains respectful and aligns with business standards.
What is the difference between resign and retire?
Resigning means ending a job at any age or stage, while retiring specifically implies leaving the workforce permanently, usually after reaching a certain age or completing a long career.
How do I say I am quitting in an email?
Start the email by stating you are writing to formally resign from your position. Mention your last working day clearly and express gratitude for the opportunities provided during your time with the company.
