Layoff Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 5, 2024
A layoff is a temporary or permanent dismissal of employees by a company, often due to economic downturns or organizational restructuring. e.g., The factory announced a layoff affecting hundreds of workers.
Table of Contents
Layoff Definitions
Restructuring Layoff: Layoff resulting from organizational changes or restructuring.
The company's merger resulted in a restructuring layoff to reduce redundancy.
Mass Layoff: Large-scale dismissal affecting a significant portion of a company’s workforce.
The closure of the factory triggered a mass layoff.
Permanent Layoff: Dismissal with no intention of rehiring the employees.
Technological advancements led to a permanent layoff in the manufacturing sector.
Voluntary Layoff: An option for employees to choose layoff, often with benefits.
The voluntary layoff program included severance pay and extended health benefits.
Economic Layoff: Dismissal of employees due to economic challenges faced by a company.
The economic crisis led to a significant layoff in the industry.
Involuntary Layoff: A forced dismissal without the employee’s choice.
The downturn in sales forced an involuntary layoff of staff.
Early Retirement Layoff: Offering older employees the option to retire early as a form of layoff.
The early retirement layoff plan was popular among senior employees.
Strategic Layoff: Layoffs done to align the workforce with the company’s strategic goals.
The tech company conducted a strategic layoff to focus on core products.
The act of suspending or dismissing an employee, as for lack of work or because of corporate reorganization.
A period of temporary inactivity or rest.
A dismissal of employees from their jobs because of tightened budgetary constraints or work shortage (not due to poor performance or misconduct).
A period of time when someone is unavailable for work.
A short pass that has been rolled in front of another player for them to kick.
A bet that is laid off, i.e. placed with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.
The act of laying off an employee or a work force
Temporary Layoff: A short-term dismissal where employees may return to work.
Seasonal fluctuations in demand caused a temporary layoff at the plant.
Cost-Cutting Layoff: Layoff implemented to reduce operational costs.
The airline underwent a cost-cutting layoff to maintain profitability.
Layoff Snonyms
Dismissal
The act of sending someone away; a termination of employment.
His dismissal from the company was unexpected and sudden.
Furlough
A temporary leave of employees due to special needs of a company or employer, which may be due to economic conditions.
The airline staff was put on furlough during the low travel season.
Workforce reduction
A decrease in the number of employees through layoffs or retirement incentives.
The company's workforce reduction was aimed at increasing operational efficiency.
Redundancy
The state of being no longer needed or useful; typically used in the context of job elimination.
Many workers faced redundancy after the factory closure.
Downsizing
The reduction of a company's workforce to improve its profitability.
The downsizing was a tough decision, but it was necessary to keep the company afloat.
Retrenchment
Reducing costs or spending in response to economic difficulty, often involving layoffs.
The retrenchment strategy included cutting back on marketing and administrative expenses.
Job cuts
A reduction in the number of employees through layoffs to decrease spending.
The new CEO announced job cuts as part of a restructuring plan.
Rationalization
The reorganization of a company in order to increase its efficiency, often leading to layoffs.
The management justified the layoffs as necessary for the rationalization of the business.
Streamlining
Improving the efficiency of a process, organization, or system, often through the reduction of staff.
Streamlining operations resulted in several positions being made redundant.
Cutbacks
Reductions made in order to save costs, often involving the loss of jobs.
Budget cutbacks forced the closure of several community centers.
Layoff Idioms & Phrases
Layoff notice
A formal notification from an employer that an employee will be laid off.
Employees dreaded receiving a layoff notice as rumors of budget cuts circulated.
After the layoff
The period following the termination of employment.
After the layoff, he focused on upgrading his skills to reenter the job market.
Facing a layoff
Experiencing job termination due to company downsizing or economic struggles.
She was facing a layoff when the company announced it was closing several factories.
Layoff wave
A series of layoffs happening in quick succession, often affecting many companies or sectors.
The recent economic downturn triggered a layoff wave in the tech industry.
Pre-layoff stress
Anxiety and stress experienced by employees anticipating potential layoffs.
Pre-layoff stress affected the workplace atmosphere, as everyone feared for their jobs.
Avoiding layoffs
Strategies or actions taken by companies to prevent having to lay off employees.
The company is cutting costs and freezing hiring to avoid layoffs.
Surviving a layoff
Remaining employed after a company has conducted layoffs.
Surviving a layoff can bring relief but also guilt as many colleagues lose their jobs.
Mass layoff
A significant number of layoffs occurring at the same time within a company.
The mass layoff was a result of the company's decision to automate several processes.
Layoff announcement
The formal declaration by a company that it will be laying off employees.
The layoff announcement came suddenly, leaving many employees in shock.
Post-layoff recovery
The process of recovering from a layoff, often involving finding new employment.
His post-layoff recovery was swift, thanks to his extensive professional network.
Layoff list
A list of employees who are slated to be laid off.
The manager was distressed about having to compile the layoff list.
Layoff survivor syndrome
The feelings of guilt, stress, or demotivation experienced by employees who remain after layoffs.
Layoff survivor syndrome led to a decrease in morale among the remaining staff.
Temporary layoff
A situation where employees are laid off for a short period, with the expectation of being rehired.
The company implemented a temporary layoff during the off-season.
Layoff benefits
Compensation or services provided to laid-off employees, such as severance pay or job placement assistance.
The layoff benefits package included several months of pay and access to career counseling services.
Layoff freeze
A temporary halt in layoffs, often due to improving financial conditions or other factors.
The new CEO announced a layoff freeze to stabilize the workforce and rebuild morale.
Voluntary layoff
An option where employees are given the choice to take a layoff, often with a severance package.
She opted for a voluntary layoff to pursue her dream of starting her own business.
Risk of layoff
The potential or likelihood of being laid off due to various factors.
Workers in the manufacturing sector felt a high risk of layoff as automation increased.
Layoff shock
The initial feeling of disbelief and distress experienced by employees upon learning they are being laid off.
He experienced layoff shock when his name was called, having worked there for over a decade.
Layoff round
One in a series of layoffs within a company.
The first layoff round was tough, but the second round was even more devastating.
Layoff protection
Measures or policies in place to protect employees from being laid off.
The union negotiated layoff protection for its members in the new contract.
Layoff Example Sentences
The layoff was unexpected, leaving many employees shocked.
News of the layoff spread quickly throughout the industry.
The layoff affected both new and long-term employees.
After the layoff, she started looking for a new job immediately.
The company promised to assist with job placement following the layoff.
He worried about paying his bills after the layoff.
The union negotiated better terms for employees facing layoff.
Community support for those affected by the layoff was overwhelming.
News of the layoff caused concern among local businesses.
The layoff prompted her to start her own business.
The layoff led to protests by the affected workers.
The layoff was part of a larger trend in the industry.
Managers had a difficult time announcing the layoff to their teams.
Some employees saw the layoff as an opportunity for change.
The company offered counseling services to those affected by the layoff.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called layoff?
It is called a layoff because it originally referred to a temporary dismissal or suspension from work, especially in industries where work was not consistent. Over time, it has come to mean both temporary and permanent termination of employment due to lack of work or economic downturns.
How many syllables are in layoff?
There are two syllables in layoff.
How do we divide layoff into syllables?
Layoff is divided into syllables as lay-off.
What is a stressed syllable in layoff?
The first syllable, "lay," is the stressed syllable in layoff.
What is the pronunciation of layoff?
The pronunciation of layoff is /ˈleɪ.ɒf/ in British English and /ˈleɪ.ɑːf/ in American English.
How is layoff used in a sentence?
"The company announced a layoff affecting hundreds of employees due to budget cuts."
What is the root word of layoff?
The root words are "lay" and "off," coming together to form the compound noun "layoff."
What is the second form of layoff?
Not applicable for the noun. For the verb "lay off," the second form (simple past) is also "laid off."
What is the first form of layoff?
As a noun, layoff does not have conjugations. The verb form's base is "lay off."
What is the third form of layoff?
Not applicable for the noun. For the verb "lay off," the third form (past participle) is "laid off."
What is the singular form of layoff?
The singular form is "layoff."
What is the opposite of layoff?
The opposite of layoff could be "hiring" or "employment."
Is layoff a noun or adjective?
Layoff is a noun.
Is layoff an adverb?
No, layoff is not an adverb.
Is the layoff term a metaphor?
Layoff is not typically used as a metaphor but directly refers to the act of job termination.
What is the verb form of layoff?
The verb form related to layoff is "lay off."
Is layoff a negative or positive word?
Layoff is generally considered a negative word as it relates to job loss.
Is layoff a countable noun?
Yes, layoff is a countable noun (e.g., one layoff, multiple layoffs).
Is the word layoff is imperative?
"Layoff" as a noun is not imperative. The imperative form would be from the verb "to lay off," as in giving a command.
Is the word layoff Gerund?
Layoff itself is not a gerund. The gerund form related to the verb "lay off" would be "laying off."
What part of speech is layoff?
Layoff is a noun.
What is the plural form of layoff?
The plural form is "layoffs."
Is layoff a vowel or consonant?
This question does not apply to the word "layoff" as a whole; it pertains to individual letters.
Which article is used with layoff?
The definite article "the" or the indefinite article "a" can be used with "layoff" depending on whether it refers to a specific instance or layoffs in general, e.g., "the layoff" or "a layoff."
Is the word “layoff” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
The word "layoff" can serve as a direct object in a sentence, e.g., "The company announced a layoff."
Which determiner is used with layoff?
Determiners like "the," "a," or "this" can be used with layoff, depending on the context.
What is another term for layoff?
Another term for layoff is "redundancy," especially in British English.
Is layoff an abstract noun?
Yes, layoff is an abstract noun as it refers to the concept of job termination rather than a physical object.
Is layoff a collective noun?
Layoff is not traditionally considered a collective noun, but it can refer collectively to all employees affected by job termination decisions.
Which vowel is used before layoff?
Articles "a" or "an" are used based on the following word's initial sound. Since "layoff" starts with a consonant sound, "a" is used.
Which preposition is used with layoff?
Common prepositions used with "layoff" include "in" (in the event of layoffs) and "during" (during the layoffs).
Which conjunction is used with layoff?
Conjunctions like "and," "or," and "but" can be used with "layoff" depending on the sentence structure.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
