noun

layoffs

/ˈleɪɔfs/ · say it: LAY·awfs

job cuts made by an employer

In more detail

1. (noun) the temporary or permanent dismissal of employees from a company, usually because of financial problems or lack of work

2. (noun) the period during which employees are dismissed

Examples

1. The tech company announced layoffs affecting 500 workers due to declining sales.
2. During the economic crisis, many companies went through massive layoffs.

How to use layoffs

Layoffs typically refer to the removal of employees due to organizational or financial constraints rather than individual performance or misconduct. Common in business and economic contexts, the term is neutral but carries negative connotations for those affected. It often implies a temporary absence from work, though layoffs can become permanent.

Common phrases

mass layoffs
widespread layoffs
announce layoffs
round of layoffs
face layoffs
subject to layoffs

Synonyms

redundancies · dismissals · terminations · staff reductions · downsizing

Opposites

hiring · recruitment · expansion

Word family

lay off (verb) · lay-off (adjective, British) · laid off (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'layoff' as a verb in American English (e.g., 'they will layoff workers'), but the correct phrasal verb form is 'lay off' (two words), while 'layoff' or 'lay-off' functions as a noun or adjective.

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