layoff

American  

[ley-awf, -of] / ˈleɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

1. the act of dismissing employees, especially temporarily.

2. a period of enforced unemployment or inactivity.

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layoff Cultural  

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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of layoff

1885–90, noun use of verb phrase lay off

Example Sentences

Bank of America will also release its labor data on Wednesday, and Revelio Labs is set to provide estimates of nonfarm payrolls, salaries, and layoff notices on Thursday.

From Barron's

After four rounds of layoffs in two years that cut a quarter of its employees, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory now faces a daunting task: reclaiming its place at the vanguard of exploration and innovation.

From Los Angeles Times

College students and their parents are trying to assess the future of entry-level work in a white-collar employment landscape marked by slow hiring, layoffs and AI displacement of knowledge workers.

From The Wall Street Journal

While finding a job has been difficult for people out of work, Fed officials signaled that further easing of rates could take time to materialize, unless layoffs suddenly pick up.

From MarketWatch

A recent report showed the rate of layoffs in October rose to 1.2%, the highest in a year.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• cutback
• unemployment