Cliff Vesting A type of vesting that occurs entirely at a specified time rather than gradually. Investopedia Says: Until the specified time there is no vesting, at which point the benefit becomes fully vested. For example if an employee contributes to an employer-matched pension plan, the employer's contributions become property of the employee all at once rather than gradually. Related Terms: 401(k) Plan Employee Stock Option - ESO Pension Plan Vest Fleece Vesting |