layoff

== English == === Alternative forms === lay-off === Etymology === Deverbal from lay off. === Pronunciation === === Noun === layoff (plural layoffs) (chiefly US) 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. A bet that is laid off, i.e. placed with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk. ==== Synonyms ==== (dismissal of employees): downsizing, reduction in force, redundancy ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === lay off === Further reading === layoff on Wikipedia.Wikipedia === Anagrams === Offaly, offaly, offlay