layoff

[ ley-awf, -of ]

noun

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

layoff

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of layoff¹

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

Example Sentences

Arsenal have a doubt over Declan Rice which is a worry for them, and Martin Odegaard will be rusty after returning from his layoff with a brief appearance against Inter Milan in midweek, but it is Palmer who holds the key.

From BBC

Wilkinson felt Wales’ display was summed up by the performance of their most-capped player, Jess Fishlock, who played the full 120 minutes despite returning from a six-week layoff through injury.

From BBC

Bosa hasn’t played since Sept. 22 when he was injured on the first play against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a long layoff that came with what Bosa called “the worst pain I’ve ever dealt with.”

From Los Angeles Times

Do you have mentors or friends who can help if you’re dealing with a layoff?

From Salon

The company is moving ahead with plans to layoff around 17,000 workers, with the first redundancy notices expected to be issued in mid-November.

From BBC

Related Words

• cutback
• unemployment