Another Word For Laid off

Meaning

The term "laid off" refers to the situation when an employee is dismissed from their job due to reasons that are typically not related to their performance. This often happens due to economic conditions, company restructuring, or downsizing. Being laid off means that the position is eliminated and the employee is not at fault for losing their job.

Synonyms

• Terminated
• Discharged
• Fired (though this can imply a fault)
• Downsized
• Released
• Let go

Antonyms

• Hired
• Employed
• Retained
• Engaged
• Recruited

Etymology

The phrase "laid off" comes from the verb "lay off", which originally meant to lay something aside or to put something down. It evolved to mean not employing someone, especially in the context of economic necessity, and was first documented in this meaning in the mid-20th century.

Examples

1. After the company experienced significant losses, many employees were laid off in an effort to reduce costs.
2. Being laid off from her job was unexpected, but she used the opportunity to explore new career paths.
3. The CEO announced that they would unfortunately have to lay off several staff members due to the recent market downturn.
4. He was laid off during the economic recession, but he quickly found another position in a related field.