Furloughed: meaning, definitions and examples

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furloughed

 

[ ˈfɜrloʊd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

employment status

Furloughed refers to a temporary leave of absence from work, typically due to special circumstances, such as a shortage of work or financial constraints faced by the employer. During this time, employees may be eligible for unemployment benefits while maintaining their job security.

Synonyms

absent, laid off, released

Examples of usage

  • Many employees were furloughed during the pandemic.
  • The company decided to furlough several staff members for the next few months.
  • She was furloughed and had to adjust her budget accordingly.

Translations

Translations of the word "furloughed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 licença forçada

🇮🇳 छुट्टी पर

🇩🇪 beurlaubt

🇮🇩 cuti paksa

🇺🇦 в відпустці

🇵🇱 urlop bezpłatny

🇯🇵 休職中

🇫🇷 congé sans solde

🇪🇸 licencia forzada

🇹🇷 müsaade

🇰🇷 휴직 중

🇸🇦 إجازة إجبارية

🇨🇿 neplacená dovolená

🇸🇰 neplatené voľno

🇨🇳 被强制休假

🇸🇮 prisilni dopust

🇮🇸 frí þaðan

🇰🇿 мәжбүрлі демалыс

🇬🇪 ბრძანებული შვებულება

🇦🇿 məcburi icazə

🇲🇽 licencia forzada

Etymology

The term 'furlough' dates back to the mid-17th century, originating from the Dutch word 'verloof', meaning 'permission' or 'leave'. It initially referred to a leave of absence granted to soldiers. Over time, the meaning evolved, particularly in the context of employment, to indicate a temporary suspension from work without pay, often during financial downturns or other emergencies. The use of furloughs increased significantly during major economic crises or events, such as the Great Depression and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses faced unexpected closures and workforce reductions.