dismissal

noun

dis·​miss·​al dis-ˈmi-səl How to pronounce dismissal (audio)
: the act of dismissing : the fact or state of being dismissed

Examples of dismissal in a Sentence

numerous dismissals from the company during the economic slump
Recent Examples on the Web The team will also motion for the complaint’s dismissal. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2024 Gibraltar’s police chief, facing a dismissal from his job next week, is now suing to keep it and claims that the divided council’s sudden decision is a reaction to whistle-blowing. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2024 The Biden administration is now seeking a dismissal of the lawsuit, given that technically, the program does not even exist yet. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Rogers generally denied a request for dismissal of negligence claims, but narrowed the scope of allegations that will proceed. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dismissal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dismissal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dismissal was in 1778

Dictionary Entries Near dismissal

Cite this Entry

“Dismissal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismissal. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

dismissal

noun
dis·​mis·​sal
1
: removal from a position or service
2
a
: the termination of an action or claim usually before the presentation of evidence by the defendant
involuntary dismissal
: the dismissal of an action by the court because of the plaintiff's failure to pursue his or her case
: the dismissal of an action by the court upon motion of the defendant after presentation of the plaintiff's case made on the grounds that the plaintiff has shown no right to relief

Note: An involuntary dismissal under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b) prevents the plaintiff from bringing suit again based on the same claim.

voluntary dismissal
: the dismissal of an action by the plaintiff

Note: Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a), a plaintiff may dismiss an action without a court order anytime before the defendant serves an answer or moves for summary judgment, or by stipulation of the parties. Otherwise, a court order is required. A court-ordered dismissal will not prevent the plaintiff from bringing the action again unless the order so states. A dismissal without a court order will not bar the plaintiff from bringing the action again unless the plaintiff has brought the same action already.

b
: the cancellation of an indictment, information, complaint, or charge

Note: Under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 48, the attorney for the government may dismiss the indictment, information, or complaint with the court's approval. The court may also dismiss it if there is unnecessary delay in the government's prosecution of the case.

c
: a document setting forth the request for a dismissal
plaintiff filed a dismissal

More from Merriam-Webster on dismissal

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