Layoff Meaning, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：dismiss workers (Layoff)

Layoff 🔊

/ˈleɪɒf/

When a company stops employing people, usually because there isn't enough work or money.

Layoff announcement on office notice board with empty desks

dismiss workers 🔊

➕

/dɪsˈmɪs ˈwɜːrkərz/

A layoff occurs when an employer temporarily or permanently terminates employees due to lack of work, financial constraints, or restructuring, rather than for poor performance.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Compound noun from phrasal verb 'lay off', meaning to dismiss workers temporarily.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture workers being 'laid off' like a burden set down. Remember 'lay' (place down) + 'off' (away).

📖 Example

The company announced a layoff to cut costs during the slow season. 🔊 The company announced a layoff to reduce expenses during the slow season.

🔗 Collocations

temporary layoff – a layoff that is expected to last for a limited period, after which employees may be recalled

mass layoff – a layoff affecting a large number of employees at once

layoff notice – a formal notification given to employees that they will be laid off

🔄 Synonyms

downsizing (n) – the process of reducing the number of employees in a company, often through layoffs

redundancy (n) – the state of being no longer needed for a job, leading to termination

dismissal (n) – the act of officially removing someone from their job

🚫 Antonyms

hiring (n) – the act of employing new workers

recruitment (n) – the process of finding and attracting new employees

reemployment (n) – the action of being employed again after a period of unemployment

🌱 Derivatives

lay off (v) – to end someone's employment, typically temporarily

layoff notice (n) – a written statement informing an employee of a pending layoff

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from the phrasal verb 'lay off' (to set aside). Common in 19th-century factories during seasonal downturns. Now widely used in corporate downsizing.