Synonyms

layoff

American

[ley-awf, -of] / ˈleɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

the act of dismissing employees, especially temporarily.
a period of enforced unemployment or inactivity.

layoff Cultural

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

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“If a layoff does occur, many workers have found themselves searching for months on end,” said Sneha Puri, an economist at Indeed.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

It’s unclear if the mass layoff also affected workers in California.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Talk inside Oracle of a significant layoff began earlier this year.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Atlassian’s stock rose 2.4% pre-market following the layoff announcement, reflecting a positive market reaction to AI-driven cuts.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Francie had been working two weeks when the layoff came.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023