Layoff: meaning, definitions and examples

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layoff

 

[ ˈleɪɒf ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

workplace

A layoff is the act of dismissing employees because a company has financial difficulties or is restructuring. It can also refer to a temporary suspension of work or employment.

Synonyms

downsizing, reduction in force, redundancy

Examples of usage

  • Many employees were affected by the layoff at the company.
  • The layoff came as a shock to the staff members.
Context #2 | Verb

workplace

To layoff someone means to dismiss them from their job, usually due to financial constraints or organizational changes.

Synonyms

dismiss, make redundant, terminate

Examples of usage

  • The company had to layoff several employees due to budget cuts.
  • She was laid off after the company's merger.

Translations

Translations of the word "layoff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 demissão

🇮🇳 छंटनी

🇩🇪 Entlassung

🇮🇩 PHK (Pemutusan Hubungan Kerja)

🇺🇦 звільнення

🇵🇱 zwolnienie

🇯🇵 解雇 (かいこ)

🇫🇷 licenciement

🇪🇸 despido

🇹🇷 işten çıkarma

🇰🇷 해고

🇸🇦 تسريح

🇨🇿 propuštění

🇸🇰 prepustenie

🇨🇳 裁员 (cáiyuán)

🇸🇮 odpuščanje

🇮🇸 uppsögn

🇰🇿 жұмыстан шығару

🇬🇪 გათავისუფლება

🇦🇿 işdən çıxarılma

🇲🇽 despido

Word origin

The term 'layoff' originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It was initially used in the context of temporarily suspending workers without pay during periods of reduced productivity or financial strain. Over time, the term evolved to also encompass permanent dismissals due to economic reasons or organizational restructuring.

See also: lay, layabout, layer, layout, layover, mislay, outlay, outlays, relay.