at-will
Meaning
Relating to or being a situation where an employer can dismiss an employee or an employee can leave a job at any time, for any reason not prohibited by law, and without notice.
At one's own discretion or pleasure; as one wishes.
Structure
Usage
She was employed on an at-will basis, meaning her job had no guaranteed duration.
The guests were free to come and go at-will throughout the event.
In many states, at-will employment is the default legal doctrine.
Etymology
The compound "at-will" is a straightforward combination of two native English elements. The preposition "at" establishes a relationship of position or condition, while the noun "will" signifies volition or choice. When combined, the phrase literally means "at one's own desire or discretion." This literal sense evolved into a specific legal and employment term, describing a condition where actions (like employment termination) are subject to the discretion or choice of a party, not bound by a fixed term or cause. The logic from the ancient roots to the modern term is direct, preserving the core idea of action governed by personal choice or pleasure.
Analysis
- at: A preposition of Old English origin, from æt, indicating location, point in time, or state. - will: A noun of Old English origin, from willa, meaning "desire, wish, determination, power of choice."