layoff

Etymology

From the verb phrase lay off.

noun

1. (chiefly US) A dismissal of employees from their jobs because of tightened budgetary constraints or work shortage (not due to poor performance or misconduct).
2. A period of time when someone is unavailable for work.
   One of the muscles on the point of the shoulder was torn loose and it didn't need more than a glance to see that Mr. Hickey was in for a long lay-off. He wouldn't pitch again for quite a spell, if ever; 11 March 1916, Charles E. Van Loan, “His Folks”, in Saturday Evening Post
   But even the return of skipper Steven Gerrard from a six-week injury layoff could not inspire Liverpool December 29, 2010, Sam Sheringham, “Liverpool 0 - 1 Wolverhampton”, in BBC
   After a ten-month layoff, during which extensive testing had taken place in conjunction with AEI, the 'Blue Trains' resumed full operation on October 2 1961, …. July 28 2021, Ben Jones, “When BR got cracking after withdrawal of 'Blue Trains'”, in RAIL, number 932, page 32
3. (Britain, soccer) A short pass that has been rolled in front of another player for them to kick.
4. A bet that is laid off, i.e. placed with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.