furlough

Everyday

1. A furlough is a time when workers are told not to come to work for a while, often because there is not enough work, and they may get less pay or none. tree →
2. A furlough is leave from duty for a soldier, or a short permitted absence from prison. tree →

In the lessons

In news and everyday life it is a gentler word than being let go: the job is kept but paused. It is used as a formal euphemism. Phrases: «on furlough», «be furloughed».

Examples

• Dad was furloughed when the factory closed for a while. tree →
• She was on furlough for three months. tree →
• The soldier went home on furlough. tree →
• Many workers were on furlough and earned 80 per cent of their pay. tree →
• The company furloughed half its staff. tree →
• He went back to work after his furlough ended. tree →
• A certain soldier was allowed to go home on furlough. tree →

Note

Pronounced FUR-loh (the «gh» is silent). Different from being fired or made redundant: the job usually comes back. Maths: «80 per cent of pay» means multiply pay by 0.8.