layoff
LAY-off
/ˈleɪˌɔːf/
(n) A temporary or permanent termination of employment due to economic conditions or restructuring, not due to individual performance. (v) To dismiss an employee, especially temporarily, due to economic conditions.
Crucially, a layoff is typically not due to the employee's fault but rather the company's financial situation or strategic changes.
The story behind the word. The term "lay off" originated in the late 19th century, particularly in American English. It comes from the phrasal verb "to lay off," which meant "to cease employment of" or "to stop working." Its use specifically for economic dismissals became common as industrialization created larger workforces susceptible to market fluctuations.
Word relationships
- redundancy: 'Redundancy' (especially in British English) is very similar, often implying the role itself is no longer needed.
- downsizing: Broader term for reducing company size, often includes layoffs.
- hiring: The act of employing new staff.
- recruitment: The process of finding and hiring new employees.
Commonly confused with
- firing: 'Layoff' is due to company economics, 'firing' is due to employee performance/misconduct.
Word family
- laid off (adjective (past participle)): Describing an employee who has been dismissed due to a layoff.
Collocations
- mass layoff
- temporary layoff
- permanent layoff
- avoid layoffs
Example sentences
- "The recent economic downturn led to a significant layoff of staff across multiple departments." As a noun.
- "The CEO's email hinted at a potential layoff if sales didn't improve."
Memory hook
When a company lays off workers, it lays them off the payroll because there's no more work. No work, lay off.
When not to use
Don't use if someone is fired for poor performance or misconduct; use 'dismissal' or 'termination.'
Fun facts
- The phrase "lay off" also means "to stop bothering or annoying someone" (e.g., "Lay off me!").
Related words
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