layoff

[ ley-awf, -of ]

/ ˈleɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

the act of dismissing employees, especially temporarily.

a period of enforced unemployment or inactivity.

Nearby words

1885–90, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase lay off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

The gaming site plans to layoff 18 percent of its workforce and shut several offices.
Ex–Zynga Employees Tell All on Reddit|CNBC|June 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
You also knew the libs (including the Super PAC I advised, Priorities USA Action) would zero-in on his record as a layoff artist.
Paul Begala on the Five Stages of GOP Grief|Paul Begala|November 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Neither presidential campaign responded to a request for comment about the layoff announcement.
Lockheed Martin’s Layoff Notices: An Empty Threat?|Alex Klein|June 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Layoff seems to be the most commonly used word despite—or maybe because of—a passivity that cheats the impact of the experience.
The Unemployed Finally Speak Out: D.W. Gibson’s ‘Not Working’|D.W. Gibson|June 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST

They would rather cut capital expenditures and expenses, and reduce internal control costs than be forced to layoff key talent.
Anti-Americanism, ‘Repression,’ and No Caviar|Alexis Glick|January 31, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Would he come back to the farm if this ten day layoff were extended, or would he catch a train for Chicago?
Plowing On Sunday|Sterling North
After this morning, Rogers would post him for the layoff for sure.
All Day Wednesday|Richard Olin
Show them that your layoff hasnt hurt your batting eye, Larry, sang out McRae.
Baseball Joe, Home Run King|Lester Chadwick
Come to think of it, Ernie didn't know there was going to be a layoff.
All Day Wednesday|Richard Olin

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