Layoff — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈlā-ˌȯf/ lay·off

Meaning & Definition of Layoff

Layoff (noun)

  1. a period of inactivity or idleness
  2. the act of laying off an employee or a workforce; also, shutdown

Layoff (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily

    "even senior employees lost their jobs in the massive layoff"

    similar: ax, discharge, dismissal, furlough, redundancy (chiefly British)
    related: pink slip, bird (chiefly British), boot, bum's rush, downsizing, firing, heave-ho, sack, closing, shutdown, shakeout, shake-up
    near: callback, recall, reemployment, rehire, rehiring

  2. a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness

    "after such a long layoff the boxer badly needed to get back into shape"

    similar: downtime, time-out, winter
    related: break, breath, breather, interruption, lull, pause, recess, abeyance, doldrums, dormancy, latency, quiescence, suspense, suspension

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Layoff

The most common words with a similar meaning to Layoff:

Chiefly British: redundancy
ax, discharge, dismissal, furlough, downtime, time-out, winter

Related Words for Layoff

pink slip, bird, boot, bum's rush, downsizing, firing, heave-ho, sack, closing, shutdown, shakeout, shake-up, break, breath, breather, interruption, lull, pause, recess, abeyance, doldrums, dormancy, latency, quiescence, suspense, suspension

Near Antonyms of Layoff

callback, recall, reemployment, rehire, rehiring

Origin & Etymology of Layoff

First known use: 1889

Frequently Asked Questions about Layoff

What does "Layoff" mean?

"Layoff" means a period of inactivity or idleness. As a noun, it is defined as: a period of inactivity or idleness. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Layoff"?

Other words for "Layoff" include ax, discharge, dismissal, furlough, redundancy, downtime, time-out and winter. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Layoff" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Layoff"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Layoff". Common alternatives include ax, discharge, dismissal, furlough, redundancy, downtime, time-out and winter.

How do you use "Layoff" in a sentence?

Examples of "Layoff" in a sentence: "even senior employees lost their jobs in the massive layoff"; "after such a long layoff the boxer badly needed to get back into shape".

Is "Layoff" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Layoff" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Layoff"?

"Layoff" is pronounced /ˈlā-ˌȯf/ and divided into syllables as lay·off.

What is the origin of the word "Layoff"?

First known use: 1889.

What is another word for "Layoff" meaning "the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily"?

When "Layoff" (noun) means the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily, synonyms include ax, discharge, dismissal, furlough and redundancy.