What is meant by wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination refers to the act of firing an employee in a manner that contravenes established laws, regulations, or contractual agreements. This can include a range of violations, such as terminating an employee based on discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or in breach of an employment contract. The essence of wrongful termination lies in the legal boundaries established to protect employees from unfair dismissal.

In this context, the other options are clearly defined situations, but they don't encompass the broader legal implications involved in wrongful termination. Firing without notice might be seen as poor practice but not necessarily illegal unless it breaches specific legal standards. Economic reasons for termination are often considered a valid basis for dismissal in at-will employment contexts. Similarly, terminating an employee for unsatisfactory performance is generally permissible as long as it is done in accordance with company policies and laws. Thus, these scenarios do not encapsulate the legal dimension that defines wrongful termination.