layoff

Everyday

1. A layoff is when a company stops employing workers, often because there is not enough work or money. tree →
2. (sport) A period when a player is not playing, often because of injury. tree →

In the lessons

Used in news and business: «mass layoffs», «layoff notice». It tells the reader people lost jobs, often not because of anything they did wrong. «Let go» is a softer phrase (euphemism).

Examples

• The factory announced layoffs of 200 workers. tree →
• After the layoff, Dad looked for a new job. tree →
• Layoffs worried many families in the town. tree →
• The striker returned after a long injury layoff. tree →
• The company tried to avoid layoffs. tree →
• The news reported layoffs at the car plant. tree →

Note

Noun is one word: layoff; the verb is two words: lay off (lay off, laid off). UK often says «redundancy». In maths, after laying off 200 of 1 000 workers, 800 remain (20% laid off).