quiet quitting

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/ˈkwaɪət ˌkwɪtɪŋ/
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Staying in a job while doing only the work that is required.
Practice using quiet quitting in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Does quiet quitting always show disengagement, or can it be a way to set healthy boundaries?
  • The company blamed quiet quitting, but staff said they were simply following their contracts.
  • After months of unpaid overtime, Maya chose quiet quitting and stopped answering messages at night.
  • He is not quiet quitting because he still meets every target and often helps new colleagues.
  • A survey found that unclear promotion paths had encouraged quiet quitting across the department.

Similar words

job disengagement
doing the bare minimum
work-to-rule
acting your wage

Meanings

Doing only the required work

business
informal
The practice of staying in a job while doing only the work required, without volunteering extra time, effort, or enthusiasm.

Examples

  • After months of unpaid overtime, Maya chose quiet quitting and stopped answering messages at night.
  • Does quiet quitting always show disengagement, or can it be a way to set healthy boundaries?
  • The company blamed quiet quitting, but staff said they were simply following their contracts.
  • He is not quiet quitting because he still meets every target and often helps new colleagues.
  • A survey found that unclear promotion paths had encouraged quiet quitting across the department.

Similar words

doing the bare minimum
acting your wage
work-to-rule
job disengagement

Etymology

The phrase combines quiet, suggesting an action that is not openly announced, with quitting. It became widely used in workplace discussions in 2022, although the worker does not actually leave the job.

FAQ

What does quiet quitting mean?

Quiet quitting means staying employed while doing only the work the job requires, without taking on unpaid or extra duties.

Does quiet quitting mean resigning?

No. Someone who practices quiet quitting remains in the job.

Is quiet quitting the same as work-to-rule?

They overlap, but work-to-rule is often an organised labour tactic based on following every rule exactly.

Is quiet quitting always a sign of laziness?

No. Quiet quitting may reflect burnout, low engagement, or a decision to keep firmer boundaries around work.

When did quiet quitting become widely used?

Quiet quitting became widely used in workplace discussion in 2022.

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