Layoff - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A layoff is the termination of employment by an employer, usually due to financial difficulties or restructuring, not based on the employee's performance. It often involves temporary or permanent job loss.
Definition:
Termination of employment due to company downsizing or economic reasons.
Synonyms:
dismissal, redundancy, termination, job cut
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
hiring, recruitment
Common Collocations:
mass layoff, announce a layoff, face layoffs, avoid layoffs, temporary layoff
Derivatives:
laid off, laying off
Usage Tips:
Use "layoff" as a noun for job termination or as a verb (less common) meaning to dismiss employees.
Common Phrases:
layoff notice, layoff season, survive a layoff
Etymology:
Originated in early 20th century from "lay off," meaning to discharge workers temporarily or permanently.
Examples:
- 1. The company announced a massive layoff last week.
- 2. Many employees fear a layoff during the recession.
- 3. She was devastated after her unexpected layoff.
- 4. The factory had to lay off 200 workers.