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
  • Finances could bear the early dismissals, too.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Cowdin describes more subtle—but no less damaging—dismissals.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2026
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
  • Medical associations sued to challenge Kennedy’s changes to COVID vaccine guidance and ACIP firings last year on these grounds.
    Grayson Logue, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The end of the NFL regular season has brought the annual slew of head coach firings.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
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
  • But even the best run into lulls during an 82-game season.
    Jason Jones, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The offense suffered some lulls in his absence, but second-year wide receiver Ryan Flournoy was able to pick up the production vacated by Lamb in the second half by finishing with 115 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 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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