layoff
pronunciation
How to pronounce layoff in British English:
UK ['leɪɒf]
How to pronounce layoff in American English:
US ['leɪˌɔf]
-
- Noun:
- the act of laying off an employee or a work force
Word Origin
- layoff (n.)
- also lay-off, lay off; 1889, "rest, respite;" from lay (v.) + off. Via seasonal labor with periodic down time, it came to have a sense of "temporary release from employment," and by 1960s was being used somewhat euphemistically for permanent releases of masses of workers by employers. The verbal phrase lay off is attested from 1868 as "dismiss" (an employee); meaning "stop disturbing" is from 1908.
Example
- 1. Can I reduce my risk of a layoff ?
- 2. Finally , prepare an explanation about what led to your layoff .
- 3. The enterprise is unable to unilaterally withdraw the plan on the cancellation of labor relationship or the layoff proposal .
- 4. Announce a hiring freeze or company layoff .
- 5. We have to survive this layoff .