layoff
/lā′ôf″, -ŏf″/
noun
- 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.
- (UK, soccer) A short pass that has been rolled in front of another player for them to kick.
Wikipedia
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Layoff - Wikipedia
October 21, 2025 - A layoff or downsizing is the temporary suspension or permanent termination of employment of an employee or, more commonly, a group of employees (collective layoff) for business reasons, such as personnel management or downsizing an organization. Originally, layoff referred exclusively to a ...
temporary suspension or permanent termination of employment of an employee or, more commonly, a group of employees for business reasons
Cambridge Dictionary
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LAYOFF | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
LAYOFF definition: 1. an occasion when a company stops employing someone, sometimes temporarily, because the company…. Learn more.
Investopedia
investopedia.com › terms › l › layoff.asp
Understanding Layoffs: Definitions, Statistics, and Real-Life Example
November 23, 2003 - Layoffs are a painful fact of life in a market economy exposed to intense competition and a constant search for higher profits. Layoffs can be damaging psychologically and financially to the affected workers and those who are left behind, as well as to their families, communities, colleagues, and other businesses.
Darwinbox
explore.darwinbox.com › hr-glossary › layoff
What is Layoff? | Meaning & Definition | HR Glossary
A layoff refers to a situation where the employer lets go of an employee due to a halt in production, the need for a workforce with a different skillset, or having to relocate the business. It is different from firing where an employee is let go because of their own demeanor and malfeasance.
Merriam-Webster
merriam-webster.com › dictionary › layoff
LAYOFF Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
a period of inactivity or idleness; the act of laying off an employee or a workforce; also : shutdown… See the full definition
TalentHR
talenthr.io › resources › hr-glossary › layoff
What is a Layoff? - HR Glossary | TalentHR
Unlike being fired, which results from performance or behavioral issues, layoffs happen when a business finds it necessary to reduce its workforce for reasons beyond an individual’s control. For affected employees, a layoff can mean either a temporary or permanent separation from the company.
Monash University
monash.edu › monash business school › marketing › marketing dictionary › l › layoff
Layoff - Monash Business School
A layoff is the termination of employment of an employee or (more commonly) a group of employees for business reasons, such as the decision that certain positions are no longer necessary.
Corporate Finance Institute
corporatefinanceinstitute.com › home › resources › laid off
Laid Off - Definition, Reasons, and Alternatives to Layoffs
June 18, 2025 - Being laid off refers to a temporary or permanent termination of work contract by an employee because of reasons relating to the business. A company may suspend just one worker or a group of workers at the same time.
Collins Dictionary
collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english › layoff
LAYOFF definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
When there are layoffs in a company, workers are told by their employers to leave their job, usually because there is no more work for them in the company. [business]
AllVoices
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What is a Layoff? Definition and Explanation | AllVoices
Learn what a Layoff is. Termination of employees due to business reasons.
Dictionary.com
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LAYOFF Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
The temporary or permanent removal of a worker from his or her job, usually because of cutbacks in production or corporate reorganization. What’s the difference between layoff and furlough? A layoff is usually a permanent removal from a job. A furlough is a temporary release of a worker from ...
Vocabulary.com
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Layoff - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
When a company informs a group of workers that their employment is terminated, it's called a layoff. In most cases, layoffs are a way for a business to save money.
Qandle
qandle.com › smart hr for the modern workplace › hr glossary › what is layoff: guide for managing daily job cuts
What is Layoff: Guide for Managing Daily Job Cuts
A layoff is the temporary or permanent separation of employees from their positions due to business-related factors beyond individual performance. Unlike termination for cause, layoffs occur when organizations need to reduce their workforce due to economic pressures, restructuring initiatives, ...
Vocabulary.com
vocabulary.com › dictionary › lay off
Lay off - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
In most cases, companies lay people off in an effort to save money. It's awful to lose your job no matter how it happens, but when workers are laid off, they sometimes get severance pay.
factoHR
factohr.com › layoff
Layoff - What Is The Meaning and Defination | factoHR
October 1, 2021 - A layoff is a situation wherein the employer terminates the employees either permanently or temporarily due to low sales, financial crisis, or material shortage The employee layoff has no relation to the performance of the employees. The positions are laid off primarily due to financial reasons, ...
HROne
hrone.cloud › hr-glossary › layoff
Layoff - What Is The Meaning Of Layoff And Its Importance | HROne Hr Software
April 25, 2024 - Layoff in HRM typically means to terminate an employee on a temporary or permanent basis to solve an ongoing business challenge.
Quora
quora.com › What-is-the-definition-of-layoff-in-the-workplace-Is-there-a-time-limit-for-how-long-a-company-can-hold-the-threat-of-layoff-or-firing-over-their-employees
What is the definition of 'layoff' in the workplace? Is there a time limit for how long a company can hold the threat of layoff or firing over their employees? - Quora
Answer (1 of 2): A layoff is when the company’s income cannot support the number of employees working. The companies finances are examined to see how many employees need to be layed off. usually, these are done in stages with retirement being offered to those who are eligible, or close to retire...
Pocket HRMS
pockethrms.com › home › glossary › layoff
What is Layoff? | Meaning and Definition with FAQs
August 11, 2023 - Permanent Layoffs: When a company terminates an employee’s job due to a business or department reduction, restructuring, or closure. Usually, the termination is permanent, and the individual is not expected to return to work.
Pelago
pelagohealth.com › resources › hr-glossary › layoff
Layoff: HR Terms Explained | Pelago
A layoff is a temporary or permanent termination of employment due to a company downsizing or restructuring.
Hirex
gethirex.com › glossary › what-is-layoff
What Is Layoff?: Everything HR Needs to Know
November 7, 2024 - In today’s competitive business world, it is common for employees to be laid off by the organization they work for. Employee layoffs can be seen as advantageous for companies because they can help to achieve some goals, such as reducing costs, in the short term.