Funding and ownership
Cliff
The waiting period at the start of vesting, usually a year, when you earn no equity at all. On the cliff date a whole year's worth arrives at once.
A plain-English explanation, not financial or tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check your own situation. For free, impartial guidance, try MoneyHelper. Disclaimer.
You'll hear it as
My cliff's in March, so I'm not going anywhere before then.
Why it matters to you.
Leave a day before your cliff and you get nothing. Check the date before you resign.
Related terms.
Videos.
No video mentions Cliff by name yet. These are on the same topic, Careers & hiring.