layoff

/ˈleɪ.ɒf/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈeˌɔf] /ˈleɪ.ɑːf/ (ame, ipa) · [lˈeˌɔf] /ˈlā-ˌȯf/ (ame, mw)

layoff — noun

  • layoffsingular
  • layoffsplural

1. a time when an employer cuts jobs because there is not enough work or money

1.名詞B2
釋義

a time when an employer cuts jobs because there is not enough work or money

例句

After fifteen years at the mill, Otis faced a sudden layoff in March.

pattern: face a layoff

Meera's layoff came two weeks after the startup lost its main investor.

layoff after business loss

同義詞
  • redundancy

    British term with a stronger legal and HR flavour

  • job cut

    focuses on the position removed, often in news headlines

  • dismissal

    broader; can happen for conduct or performance, not only business reasons

反義詞
  • hiring

    bringing workers in rather than reducing staff

  • recall

    calling workers back after a temporary layoff

文法句型

a layoff

the layoff of [workers]

after a layoff

用法筆記

Usually linked to business problems rather than poor performance. Often appears with numbers, departments, or dates: 'the layoff of 40 workers', 'after the layoff in March'.

常見錯誤

❌The company gave Daniel a layoff for working slowly.
✅The company fired Daniel for working slowly.
💡a layoff happens because the employer cuts jobs, not because one worker performs badly.

2. a stretch of time when someone is away from work or sport before starting again

2.名詞C1
釋義

a stretch of time when someone is away from work or sport before starting again

例句

Manuela returned to the stage after an eight-month layoff with a back injury.

[length] layoff with a reason

Christopher looked rusty in practice after his winter layoff from swimming.

layoff from + activity

同義詞
  • break

    more everyday and less specific about a long enforced pause

  • spell

    often means a short period away from an activity

  • absence

    broader and can sound more formal

反義詞
  • return

    the moment someone comes back after the time away

  • comeback

    especially for sport or performance after a long break

文法句型

a [length] layoff

after a layoff

layoff from [activity]

用法筆記

Often follows a length expression or names the paused activity. Distinguish from sense 1: nobody is dismissed here; the focus is simply time away before returning.

常見錯誤

❌After the layoff, the office dismissed twenty workers.
✅After the layoff, Elena returned to work refreshed.
💡this sense is a pause from activity, not a company job cut.

3. in football, a soft pass played into a teammate's path so the next move can cont

3.名詞C2
釋義

in football, a soft pass played into a teammate's path so the next move can continue at once

例句

Darius scored after a smart layoff from the captain near the box.

score after a layoff

Aoi played a quick layoff to the winger and kept running.

play a layoff to + teammate

同義詞
  • set-up

    broader; can refer to any move that creates the chance

  • flick

    a more specific touch, often with the head or heel

反義詞
  • clearance

    a defensive kick away rather than a controlled attacking pass

文法句型

a layoff to [player]

play a layoff

score from a layoff

用法筆記

Common in match reports and coaching talk. The ball is cushioned for a teammate's next action, not driven forward like a long through pass.

常見錯誤

❌Jules hit a layoff from midfield straight over the defence.
✅Jules played a layoff to the striker just outside the box.
💡a layoff is a short set-up pass, not a long ball over defenders.