“Furlough” means a temporary leave from work, usually because the employer does not have enough work or needs to reduce costs. In many cases, the person is still officially employed, but they are not working for a period of time.
People often use “furlough” when talking about jobs, especially during slow business periods, emergencies, or company cutbacks. It usually suggests a temporary situation, not a permanent job loss.
Meaning & Usage
A furlough is different from being fired. If someone is furloughed, they may return to work later when the situation improves. The word is commonly used in workplaces, government jobs, and news reports.
Examples
“The company furloughed several workers during the slowdown.”
“Employees were told they might be furloughed for two weeks.”
Is a furlough the same as being laid off?
No. A furlough is usually temporary, while a layoff often means the job has ended, at least for now.
Can someone still be employed during a furlough?
Yes. In many cases, the person is still employed, but they are not working for a short time.
Why do companies furlough workers?
Companies may furlough workers when business is slow, money is tight, or they need to cut costs without ending jobs permanently.
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