Layoff: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used when talking about temporary job losses, often due to economic downturns or company restructuring.

• The company announced a layoff of 200 workers due to reduced demand.
• After the holiday season, there will be a layoff for seasonal employees.

Commonly used in British English to describe job losses when positions are no longer needed, often due to technological changes or business reorganization.

• The new software implementation has led to redundancies in the IT department.
• Several workers faced redundancy after the company automated its logistics operations.

Refers to a permanent reduction of the company's workforce, typically to cut costs or improve efficiency.

• The corporation is downsizing to streamline operations and reduce costs.
• After the merger, downsizing was inevitable to eliminate redundant positions.

A formal or administrative term, usually used in official announcements or documents to describe workforce reduction.

• The organization will experience a reduction in force next quarter due to budget constraints.
• A reduction in force is planned as part of the company's new strategic direction.

Typically used in a business or economic context when employees are let go due to economic reasons or organizational restructuring, often temporarily.

• Due to the pandemic, the company had to lay off several employees.
• Seasonal layoffs are common in the construction industry.

Generally used in a formal context when an employee is let go for specific reasons related to performance, behavior, or other personal factors; can also be used outside of work contexts.

• The teacher decided to dismiss the class early.
• He was dismissed from his job due to poor performance.

Used in a formal business context, often in HR communications, to indicate the end of an employment contract, sometimes with a neutral or negative connotation.

• Her employment was terminated due to violation of company policies.
• The contract was terminated after both parties failed to reach an agreement.

Commonly used in British English in a business context when employees are let go because their position is no longer needed.

• She was made redundant when the company restructured.
• Being made redundant can be a challenging experience.