NYT Dictionary

LAYOFF

/ˈleɪ.ˌɔf/
NounLAY-offlay-off · 2 syllablesGrade 8

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2022, 2024

Meaning

A dismissal of employees from their jobs because of tightened budgetary constraints or work shortage (not due to poor performance or misconduct).

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

Deverbal from lay off.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

downsizingreduction in forceredundancyabeyanceaxbootcaesuradeposaldischargedismissal

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle:

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