Dismissals

Dismissal is the act of ending an established relation or process. In everyday usage, it most often refers to ending an employment relationship, but the term also describes the termination of a legal action or other formal proceedings, or removal from a process or competition. The meaning and consequences of dismissal vary by context and jurisdiction.

In employment law, dismissal occurs when an employer terminates an employee’s contract. Common reasons include misconduct, incapacity or poor performance, redundancy due to business needs, or other justified grounds. Legal protections and procedures differ by country. Some systems require a fair process with notice, warnings, and opportunities to improve; others operate under at-will principles allowing termination with limited constraints beyond illegal discrimination or retaliation. Remedies for affected workers may include severance pay, unemployment benefits, reinstatement, or compensation in claims of wrongful or unfair dismissal.

In the context of court or administrative proceedings, a dismissal is a ruling that ends a case or a portion of it. Grounds can include lack of jurisdiction, failure to state a claim, procedural defects, or failure to prosecute. A dismissal may be with prejudice—meaning the case cannot be brought again—or without prejudice, which allows refiling under certain conditions. Some dismissals are immediately final; others may be appealable.

Other uses of the term appear in sports and public administration. In sports, dismissal can refer to a player being removed from play or, in cricket, a batsman being declared out. In governance or organizational settings, dismissal can mean removal from a position, committee, or list.