layoff Definition
the act of dismissing employees, especially temporarily, because there is not enough work for them to do.
Using layoff: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "layoff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company announced a layoff of 500 workers due to financial difficulties.
Example
Many employees were worried about the possibility of a layoff.
Example
The union negotiated better severance packages for workers facing layoffs.
Example
The restaurant had to close temporarily and put its staff on layoff.
layoff Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for layoff
Phrases with layoff
a situation where an employee is dismissed from their job permanently due to reasons such as downsizing or bankruptcy
Example
The company had to make a permanent layoff of several employees due to financial difficulties.
a situation where an employee is dismissed from their job temporarily due to reasons such as lack of work or seasonal fluctuations
Example
The factory announced a temporary layoff of its workers due to a decrease in demand for its products.
a situation where a large number of employees are dismissed from their jobs at the same time, usually due to reasons such as restructuring or bankruptcy
Example
The airline industry experienced a mass layoff of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Summary: layoff in Brief
The term 'layoff' [ˈleɪɒf] refers to the act of dismissing employees, especially temporarily, due to lack of work. It is often used in phrases like 'permanent layoff,' which denotes a permanent dismissal, and 'mass layoff,' which refers to a large-scale dismissal. 'Layoff' has become a common term in the context of economic downturns and seasonal fluctuations.