What’s the meaning of laid off?

“Laid off” is a phrasal verb that means “to stop employing someone,” usually due to a lack of work.

For example:

  • I was laid off last spring.
  • The company laid off 20 employees.

“Laid off” is always spelled like this, as “laid” is the past tense of the verb “lay.” Layed is never correct.

QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can make sure you use “laid off” correctly in your writing.