What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
severance
Example
The company offered a generous severance package to the employees who were laid off. [severance: noun]
Example
She was severanced from her job after working there for ten years. [severanced: verb]
layoff
Example
The company announced a layoff of 100 employees due to budget cuts. [layoff: noun]
Example
He was laid off from his job as a result of the company's restructuring. [laid off: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Layoff is more commonly used than severance in everyday language, especially in the context of news reports or discussions about the job market. Severance is more commonly used in legal or HR contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between severance and layoff?
Severance is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its legal nature, while layoff can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
