work stoppage

noun

: concerted cessation of work by a group of employees usually more spontaneous and less serious than a strike

Examples of work stoppage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The New York Times first reported the partial work stoppage at 750 Third Avenue on Wednesday. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 That momentum, though, is threatened by the ongoing labor fight, including fears that a potential work stoppage could shorten or even cancel the 2027 season. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 July 2026 In other leagues, the percentage split has sometimes led to work stoppages. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 July 2026 After strikes, negotiations, and work stoppages, workers eventually won the right to eight-hour workdays. — Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for work stoppage

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of work stoppage was in 1943

Browse Nearby Words

work stone
work stoppage
work-stopper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Work stoppage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20stoppage. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

work stoppage

noun
: a cessation of work by employees as a job action

Note: Work stoppage is often used to refer to a cessation of work that is less serious and more spontaneous than one referred to as a strike. As used in the Labor Management Relations Act strike refers to “any…concerted stoppage of work by employees…and any concerted slowdown or other concerted interruption of operations by employees.”

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