laying off (B2)
phrasal verb
Pronunciation: /ˈleɪɪŋ ˈɒf/
Definition
The act of dismissing employees from their jobs, typically due to economic conditions or a lack of work, rather than for individual performance issues.
Examples
The factory announced it would be laying off 200 workers next month.
Many small businesses are laying off staff as a direct result of the pandemic.
The decision to start laying off employees was difficult but unavoidable for the struggling startup.
How to Use laying off
- lay off (someone) (phrasal verb)
- To dismiss an employee due to economic reasons. — "The factory had to lay off a quarter of its workforce."
- lay off (something) (phrasal verb)
- To stop using or doing something. — "You should lay off the coffee if you want to sleep better."
- be laid off (phrasal verb)
- To be dismissed from a job (passive voice). — "She was laid off after five years with the company."
Synonyms of laying off
Words with a similar meaning to laying off:
Antonyms of laying off
Words with the opposite meaning to laying off:
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