A temporary layoff, involuntary leave or other modification of normal working hours without pay for a specified duration. Furloughs are used in the military for soldiers whose new assignments have not yet been determined. For businesses, furloughs are used for a variety of reasons, like plant shut-downs, or in cases where a broad reorganization makes it unclear which employees will be retained.

In contemporary business practice, a furlough is a less permanent solution to layoffs, and are useful in situations where the economic condition is deemed to be of short duration. It is also common in situations where a business disruption is deemed to be temporary.