layoffs

Definition of layoffsnext
plural of layoff
1
as in dismissals
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily even senior employees lost their jobs in the massive layoff

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2
as in winters
a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness after such a long layoff the boxer badly needed to get back into shape

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of layoffs This includes layoffs, hires and positions left open because tasks were automated. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025 If the layoffs are not truly about automation, the simple solution is finding the same or similar position at a different company, according to Stephany. Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025 Catsimatidis has not announced any definite timeline or steps for relocation or layoffs but indicated ongoing evaluation of business operations in light of the new administration’s policies. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025 State tallies of new unemployment claims have remained relatively stable, however, suggesting that there hasn't been a big spike in overall layoffs yet. NPR, 7 Nov. 2025 The unexpected collapse of Technicolor triggered layoffs and production disruptions, while a broader post-pandemic slowdown has seen commissions drop nearly 30%. Ben Croll, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025 The cancellation comes on the heels of the Paramount-Skydance merger, MTV’s parent, which has resulted in thousands of layoffs companywide. Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025 Another 1,000 layoffs are expected. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025 Broader Paramount layoffs included under 100 staffers at CBS. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layoffs
Noun
  • The high portion of dismissals has also discouraged first responders such as police officers and firefighters from participating.
    Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Those dismissals come as the administration has ramped up mass deportations of those without legal status, and sometimes pointed to judges as obstacles in that effort.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This also ensures the slippers will be a reliable pick during cold winters and hot summers.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Even if your yard is limited to a small patio or your winters don’t suit outdoor growing, don’t write off growing fruit trees in the small space.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Employees protested the company's work with Israel, leading to firings and resignations.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • After parents were threatened with firings and evictions, 200 pupils withdrew.
    Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The average response time for phone calls dropped to 6 minutes from 30 minutes in the prior fiscal year; field office wait times decreased to 23 minutes; and removal of online service downtimes has benefited an additional 125,000 users in a single week, according to the agency's findings.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Federal lawmakers are trying to avoid another closure that would lead to furloughs of thousands of federal workers and a pause in some government operations.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026
  • With companies feeling the squeeze of high rates and weaker consumption, Russian data show unpaid wages nearly tripled in October from a year ago to more than $27 million, with the Post adding that furloughs and shorter workweeks are also becoming more common.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • That led to a couple of scoring lulls, especially in the first half.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
  • For instance, why did the offense experience so many extended lulls against opposing bullpens (even as, in another contradiction, its overall performance against bullpens was in line with 2024)?
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Specialized themes span food, trekking, family travel, women-only departures, and short breaks.
    Josh Roberts, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The state has not ruled out highway improvements to access such a stadium but the property tax breaks have stalled in Springfield.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Layoffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoffs. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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