The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

furlough

IPA:

Dictionary definition of furlough

A temporary leave of absence or vacation, often granted to an employee for a specific period of time.
"The factory workers were put on furlough due to a shortage of materials."

Detailed meaning of furlough

Furloughs are typically unpaid, but they allow employees to take time off from work while maintaining their employment status and benefits. Furloughs are often used by employers as a cost-saving measure during times of financial hardship or slow business, allowing them to reduce their workforce without having to resort to layoffs. Furloughs can be mandatory or voluntary, and can last for a few days, weeks, or even months. During a furlough, employees are not expected to work or perform any job duties, but they may be required to attend training or meetings, or to be on call in case of emergency. Overall, furlough is a term that describes a temporary break from work, often used as a cost-saving measure by employers.

Example sentences containing furlough

1. The employee requested a furlough to spend time with their family.
2. During the government shutdown, federal workers were placed on furlough.
3. The soldier was granted a furlough to visit home during the holidays.
4. The company announced a temporary furlough for some of its employees due to a downturn in business.
5. She used her furlough to travel to exotic destinations.
6. Furloughs were a common practice during times of economic crisis.

History and etymology of furlough

The noun 'furlough' has its origins in the 17th century, deriving from the Dutch word 'verlof,' which means 'permission' or 'leave of absence.' It made its way into the English language through the Dutch influence and initially referred to a military leave of absence or a temporary discharge from duty. Over time, the term expanded its usage to include civilian contexts, particularly in the employment sphere. In the employment context, a 'furlough' refers to a temporary leave of absence granted to an employee, often due to various reasons, including economic downturns, budget constraints, or extraordinary circumstances like the recent global pandemic. During a 'furlough,' employees are typically not paid but may retain certain benefits or the possibility of returning to their jobs once the leave period ends.

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Further usage examples of furlough

1. The extended furlough allowed him to recover from his illness.
2. The airline industry faced significant challenges, resulting in employee furloughs.
3. Teachers were worried about the impact of furloughs on students' education.
4. The union negotiated for better conditions during furloughs.
5. The CEO took a voluntary furlough to set an example for the rest of the company.
6. Military personnel were granted a furlough to attend important family events.
7. The employee was surprised by the sudden furlough announcement.
8. During the pandemic, many businesses had to resort to employee furloughs to survive.
9. The government implemented furlough programs to support struggling industries.
10. The employee was anxious about the uncertainty of the furlough duration.
11. He used his furlough as an opportunity to update his skills through online courses.
12. The furlough allowed her to pursue a passion project she had put off for years.
13. The company provided financial assistance to employees during furloughs.
14. The military veteran had fond memories of his furloughs during active duty.
15. The furlough disrupted the regular workflow at the office.
16. Many families struggled to make ends meet during furlough periods.
17. The airline industry hoped to recall furloughed employees as travel demand improved.