Famous dictionary trolls Gen Z's new term 'microretirement' — here's what it really means

Generation Z — or Gen Z, as they like to be called — know what they want, most of the time. And what’s more, they are unabashed in asking for it and making their own rules, without compromise. Time and again, this generation has shown millennials that the world is changing — and for them, work is just a part of life, not their entire life. But sometimes, it seems, Gen Z can take things a little too far.


Recently, a new term started making the rounds: ‘ microretirement .’ But is it really a new concept? That’s up for debate. According to LinkedIn , the business and employment-focused social platform, micro-retirement refers to short breaks taken mid-career — often to recharge, learn something new, or focus on personal passions .


While the concept is interesting and has gained traction within Gen Z circles, not everyone is on board. Among them is Merriam-Webster — the dictionary — which took a sharp dig at the trend.

Merriam-Webster, from their official X account, called it an alternative definition for “Vacation.”

“The word is ‘vacations’,” reads the caption posted along with an excerpt of an article dated January 1, 2025.

'Vacations.'

The word is 'vacations.' pic.twitter.com/rPq4QINXmw

— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) July 7, 2025

“While retirement typically occurs, after completing a career and saving and investing for it, a new trend is emerging among Gen Z career professionals called ‘micro-retirement’,” reads the first few lines of the report. Merriam-Webster particularly highlighted the next part, which reads: “Micro-retirements involve taking a one to two-week break from work every 12 to 18 months.”

This definitely got a lot of traction with almost 1.4 million views, with netizens representing both sides of the argument.


One user commented, “I typically go on micro-retirements 2 days a week. Then I work 5 days. Then I micro-retire for 2 days. Repeat.” Another user wrote, “A while back, I saw someone claim we shifted from a text-based society to a video-based society, losing much accumulated knowledge and forcing a restart. That applies here.”


But for people taking offence, the word is not just a trend, there is data backing it. According to Workforce Singapore (WSG), people aged below 28 – who changed jobs last year more than tripled to over 900, compared to 2021. Some Gen Zs are also switching careers much early in their career, with some starting their third or fourth job by the age of 25.