An "ax job" is a term that refers to the termination of employment. If you want to describe this type of situation in a more professional or eloquent way, you can use various synonyms. For example, you could say "dismissal," "termination," "layoff," "separation," or "release." Each of these words has a slightly different connotation, so it's essential to choose the one that fits the situation best. If you're trying to soften the blow or avoid using a harsh term, consider using "let go," "sacked," "redundancy," or "downsized." Regardless of the word you choose, losing a job is never easy, so it's essential to treat people with kindness and respect.