What does 'sign off' mean in work contexts?

Three main professional uses:

1. Give formal approval: "Has the client signed off on the designs?" = Has the client given formal approval? "Sign-off" as a noun means the formal approval: "We need sign-off before we proceed."

2. End a communication: "I'll sign off here" at the end of an email or message means "I'll stop writing now." Common in email sign-offs: "Signing off — Alex."

3. Leave work (British English): "I'm signing off at 5pm today." = I'm finishing work and leaving. Also used for going on sick leave: "He's signed off sick for two weeks."

The approval meaning is the most important professionally: In project management and business, getting "sign-off" is a formal step. Without it, you can't proceed. "We're waiting on client sign-off" is a very common phrase.

Register: Professional. All three uses are standard in workplaces.

Tags: business English, approval, email, workplace, professional communication