layoff

[ley-awf, -of]

noun

1. the act of dismissing employees, especially temporarily.

2. a period of enforced unemployment or inactivity.

layoff

1. The temporary or permanent removal of a worker from his or her job, usually because of cutbacks in production or corporate reorganization.

Word History and Origins

Origin of layoff¹

1885–90, noun use of verb phrase lay off

Example Sentences

Paramount representatives have declined to comment on the pending layoffs beyond saying they hope to achieve the cuts with one large round.

From Los Angeles Times

Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which offers outplacement services and executive coaching, gathers data from news reports, company filings, annual reports, news releases and layoff notices.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, with widespread layoffs, budget cuts and enrollment declines on many campuses — including in California — the problem is expected to get worse.

From Los Angeles Times

He also blocked the administration from firing Voice of America director, Michael Abramowitz, the day before these layoffs were announced.

From Los Angeles Times

The wide-ranging layoffs include employees working on the government's response to infectious diseases, including bird flu, as well as those researching environmental hazards and handling public record requests for information.

From BBC

Related Words

• cutback 
• unemployment 

When To Use

What’s the difference between layoff and furlough?

A layoff is usually a permanent removal from a job. A furlough is a temporary release of a worker from their job, typically with the expectation that they will be asked to return.Both words can also be used as verbs. An organization can lay off employees or furlough them. The adjective forms are laid off and furloughed.The word layoff is typically used in the context of a company permanently letting go workers due to economic reasons (such as not being able to afford to pay them) as opposed to performance reasons (employees let go for poor performance are typically said to have been fired).A furlough typically involves an employer requiring an employee to stop working for a period of time during which they will not get paid—though furloughed workers sometimes keep their benefits, such as health insurance. Furloughs can happen during government shutdowns or when a company does not need certain employees for a certain period of time but expects to need them back after that period ends.Here’s an example of layoff and furlough used correctly in a sentence.Example: A furlough is not ideal, but at least it’s temporary—the company is doing it to avoid layoffs.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between layoff and furlough.