What does retired mean?
Retired describes someone who has permanently stopped working in a profession, whether because they have reached a customary retirement age or chosen to leave a career. It can also mean withdrawn from an active public role, or formerly associated with a particular occupation. In ordinary use, the word commonly suggests a change from employment to a life without regular work, often with the implication of leisure, though it does not necessarily imply that a person is old. In the collective sense, 'the retired' refers to people who have ended their working lives. As a verb, retired means to withdraw permanently from work or from an active role. The word is used extensively in British and American English and is especially common in phrases such as 'retired employee' and 'retire early.'
No longer working in an occupation, especially after reaching a customary age or choosing to leave a career.
"She is a retired schoolteacher who now works part-time at the library."
Can also mean former or no longer active, as in 'retired chairman.'
To withdraw permanently from work or from an active role.
"The performer retired from the stage after the final performance."
Usually implies a permanent withdrawal, though it can describe leaving a particular role while remaining active elsewhere.
A person who has retired from work, especially when referring collectively to such people.
"The program provides recreational activities for the retired in the community."
Normally used in the plural; singular usage is uncommon.
Retirement is often described as leaving work, but the word's deeper meaning is withdrawal: its roots refer to pulling back and retreating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does retired come from?
The word comes through French retirer, from Latin retrahere, a compound of re- 'back' and trahere 'pull, draw.' Its original sense was to withdraw or retreat, which developed into the modern meanings of leaving an occupation or withdrawing from public life. Related forms include retire and retirement, while retraction and retract share the same Latin root but have different semantic developments.
Related word forms
How retired is actually used
The adjective is common in British and American English. It can sound neutral and factual, although in some contexts it may imply that someone has ceased working because of age rather than through choice. As a noun, it is usually plural and is more formal or institutional than simply saying 'older people'.
Easily confused with retired
Retired means no longer working or having left an occupation, whereas tired means lacking energy or needing rest.